2013 NBA schedule: Lakers face first Kobe-less challenge vs. Spurs

The Los Angeles Lakers' first test without Kobe Bryant comes against a potential first-round match-up as they host the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center.

The Lakers lost Bryant near the end of their Friday night win over the Golden State Warriors. Bryant crumpled to the ground while driving to the basket during the fourth quarter. It was later revealed that he suffered a torn Achilles and would be out for six to nine months. The win kept the Lakers a game up on the Utah Jazz for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Since the Jazz own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Los Angeles, the Lakers likely need to win both their remaining games to get in to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Spurs find themselves a half-game back of the Oklahoma City Thunder for first place in the West. While head coach Gregg Popovich is wont to rest his stars at the end of the season, this year may be different as the Spurs continue to work Tony Parker back in to shape from injury. Still the Spurs will likely need the Thunder to lose one of their two remaining games if they hope to take back the one seed since Oklahoma City owns the conference record tiebreaker. Tip off from Staples Center is set for 9:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on NBA TV.

Two potential second-round Eastern Conference match-ups headline the afternoon slate of action. First, the Miami Heat host the Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Arena in what could be a second-round match-up. Tip off from Miami is set for 1 p.m. ET and can be seen on ABC. The Indiana Pacers head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks, who hold a three-game lead over the Pacers for second place in the conference. Indiana will need to win their remaining three games and have the Knicks lose out if they are to leap frog them for second.