The NBA schedule features nine games on Wednesday night, including a pair of nationally televised contests, but not many marquee matchups. Only one game -- Brooklyn at Phoenix -- doesn’t feature a team with a losing record, so we may have some lopsided results in the pipes.
NBA schedule 2014: The Plumlees meet when Nets visit Suns
The Pacers and Heat meet for the first time this season as their rivalry enters a new era, but the biggest game on Wednesday night might feature a Plumlee reunion.
Christian Petersen
The appetizer
It's no longer the premier matchup in the Eastern Conference, but the Pacers can grab a big win over the Heat when they visit South Beach on Wednesday. Even without Paul George and Lance Stephenson, Indiana remains one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, currently ranking eighth in defensive efficiency. Miami, on the other hand, hasn't missed a beat offensively despite losing LeBron James over the summer, and the Heat currently rank fourth in the league in offensive efficiency. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have looked good in their new roles with the team early this season, and should be ready to battle Roy Hibbert and company.
TV: ESPN
More on the teams: Indy Cornrows | Hot Hot Hoops
The main course
When so many of the games involve losing teams, sometimes you need to saddle up and go with whatever game features the most interesting players. In the case of Los Angeles visiting New Orleans, it's pretty hard to turn down the one-two combo of Anthony Davis and Kobe Bryant. Two superstars with careers heading in opposite directions, Davis and Bryant are undoubtedly two of the biggest figures looming over this NBA season, both because of Kobe's impending decline and Davis' emerging greatness. With time running out to see these two face off on the hardwood, we'll use a slow night to take it all in.
TV: NBA League Pass
More on the teams: Silver Screen and Roll | The Bird Writes
The dessert
Easily the best game of the night from a basketball perspective, Mason Plumlee and the Nets meet Miles Plumlee and the Suns. Brooklyn and Phoenix have seen mixed results early this season, but both project as playoff contenders in their respective conferences thanks to talented backcourts. This is really the first challenging game of the season for the Nets, though, considering their first six games all came against teams that currently have records of .500 or worse. Even a Phoenix team that's still working out the kinks after an active offseason isn't an easy task.
TV: NBA League Pass
More on the teams: Nets Daily | Bright Side of the Sun
The leftovers (all times ET)
Trail Blazers at Nuggets, 9 p.m.
Rockets at Timberwolves, 10 p.m. (ESPN)
★★★
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