NBA schedule 2013: Battle of LA highlights busy Friday

Friday will be a busy day in the NBA, with 22 teams in action. The clear highlight of the NBA schedule is the showdown at the Staples Center between the upstart Clippers and the still-slumping Lakers.

Nets at Wizards, 7 p.m. ET, YES
Washington will be seeking just their fifth win of the season, and their fourth at the Verizon Center.

Cavaliers at Bobcats, 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Ohio
Kyrie Irving will lead the Cavs into Time Warner Cable Arena to face the worst defensive team in the NBA.

Kings at Raptors, 7 p.m. ET, Comcast Sacramento
The injured Raptors are on fire lately, with six-straight wins at home.

Hawks at Pistons, 7:30 p.m. ET, SSN
Atlanta scraped out a 126-119 win in double-overtime last week in their first meeting with the Pistons.

Bulls at Heat, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The first of four meetings this season between the Derrick Rose-less Bulls and the Heat.

Trail Blazers at Grizzlies, 8 p.m. ET, Comcast Northwest
An inconsistent Portland offense will need a solid performance going into FedEx Forum against one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

76ers at Thunder, 8 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports
The Thunder will be trying to start a new winning streak at home against a team that has struggled mightily on the road.

Pacers at Celtics, 8 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
Indiana has won nine of its last 11 games and leads the Central division, but has historically struggled against the Celtics in Boston.

Rockets at Bucks, 8 p.m. ET, Comcast Houston
A strong Houston offense will meet a stingy Milwaukee defense at BMO Harris Bradley Center.

Jazz at Suns, 9 p.m. ET, Root Sports
The road-weary Jazz will look for just their sixth win of the season on the road against the similarly-struggling Suns.