Monday’s NBA slate features a matchup made in League Pass heaven, a clash of Western Conference titans, a delightful point guard duel and a couple of teams trying to figure out who they are.
NBA viewing guide: Surprising Sixers host Warriors
There are four games on Monday’s NBA schedule, including Sixers-Warriors and Clippers-Rockets. Not shabby at all.
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s what’s on the table:
7 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
After the Sixers' strong start, people are asking if Philadelphia is for real. Isn't this team supposed to be tanking? Will their established guys be on the roster in March? My hot take: Who cares? The present is too much fun to worry about the future. It's not about how long they can keep streaking, it's about Michael Carter-Williams proving he's more ready than anyone expected. It's about Brett Brown getting his guys to buy in. It's about a bunch of young guys getting up and down the floor, moving the ball and playing hard as hell.
Maybe Golden State comes in and crushes the Sixers at home. Maybe these guys pull off another upset. If you have League Pass, this is the choice tonight.
Reading Material: Liberty Ballers: The Tank Can Wait, Sixers Forever, Golden State of Mind: Sixers Q&A with Michael Levin
The side dishes: Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves
7 p.m., NBA League Pass
A healthy Kevin Love working with Ricky Rubio in Rick Adelman's system is a beautiful thing to watch. The Wolves are already looking like the League Pass favorite we thought they'd be. Minnesota is piling up points and is 3-0 in this young season, with wins over the Magic, Thunder and Knicks. Kevin Love is leading the league in scoring (29.7 ppg) and is second in rebounding (14.7 rpg).
Cleveland's start hasn't been as inspiring, with losses to Charlotte and Indiana after winning their home opener against Brooklyn. The Cavaliers are waiting for their first classic Kyrie Irving game of the season and No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett has yet to score his first field goal.
Reading material: Canis Hoopus: Kevin Love wins player of the week, Fear The Sword: Game Preview
Grizzlies vs. Celtics
8 p.m., NBA League Pass
Things aren't going that well for the rebuilding Boston Celtics. While new head coach Brad Stevens rightfully preaches process and patience, veteran forwards Gerald Wallace and Jeff Green have been outspoken about their frustration level. With Rajon Rondo out of the lineup, Boston is playing without a true point guard and will struggle most nights unless it plays better than the sum of its parts.
Over in Memphis, new head coach Dave Joerger’s team is also in an adjustment period. While blessed with far more talent than Stevens, his team has started 1-2 after an uneven preseason and is clearly still getting used to its new offense. The Grizzlies are trying to bounce back from a 111-99 loss in Dallas.
Reading material: CelticsBlog: Gerald Wallace and Jeff Green once again critical of the team, Grizzly Bear Blues: Quincy Pondexter contract an absolute steal
10:30 p.m., NBA TV
This will be a good test for the 2-1 Clippers, as they'll see how Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan deal with Houston's imposing frontline. The possibility of alley-oops entices fans, but Doc Rivers will likely be looking at how his players execute their new defensive scheme against Houston's spread floor attack.
Reading material: Clips Nation: Clippers-Rockets, The Questionable Blogger, The Dream Shake: Game Preview
More from SB Nation NBA:
See More:
