2014 NBA schedule: Nets visits Wizards in Eastern Conference showdown

The revitalized Nets travel to our nation’s capital to battle John Wall and the Washington Wizards.

Mar 15, 2014, 2:00 PM UTC

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday in the NBA starts off with two Eastern Conference playoff contenders duking it out, a slow-braised rack of ribs before the meal finally ends with some Thin Mints and a glass of milk in Atlanta. Here’s what games to tune into as you start your weekend.

Main Course: Brooklyn Nets vs. Washington Wizards

7 p.m. ET (League Pass)

Brooklyn has seen a marked resurgence since the start of 2014, cementing themselves firmly in the middle of Eastern Conference playoff contention. They have been playing team basketball, particularly on the defensive end of the floor, where they've flourished. Kevin Garnett will not play on Saturday due to an ailing back injury that has kept him out of back-to-back nights.

Washington is desperately trying to claw its way above Brooklyn in the standings before the playoffs start in June. The Wizards beat the Magic in OT on Friday, but lost Bradley Beal to an ankle injury in the process. They will need to take care of the ball better than they have lately; the Nets are the third-best team in the NBA at forcing opponent turnovers.

Dessert: Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks

7:30 p.m. (NBATV)

Denver has been up and down all season, but mostly down. The Nuggets can score and rebound the ball with some statistical significance, but can't actually shoot or defend well enough for it to matter. Ty Lawson has been unstoppable since the All-Star Game, averaging 22.8 points, 10.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per-game. Denver is coming off a huge win in Miami on Friday night, where they trumped the two-time reigning NBA Champions at home.

The Hawks are coming off a fourth quarter comeback win against the Bucks on Thursday night. Kyle Korver poured in 12 of his 15 points in the final period and the Hawks are desperately clutching to the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. This is Atlanta's chance to start a little run before the team runs into the Suns, Blazers, Wizards and Toronto (twice) before the end of March.