NBA schedule 2014: Spurs visit Warriors in marquee matchup
The Bay Area plays host to the biggest matchup on Saturday as San Antonio visits.
Appetizer: Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET, League Pass
The status of Grizzlies big man Marc Gasol, who tweaked his ankle Friday against Miami, looms large over this one. If he's healthy, Memphis is one of the few teams capable of nearing Indiana's defensive prowess, but his absence would put a serious dent in their chances.
Regardless of all that, Memphis has been rolling lately, winning 27 of 38 since the beginning of January. That's mostly been due to the Gasol-powered defensive resurgence, but Mike Conley and Zach Randolph remain quality players who can handle the physicality Indiana usually brings to the table.
The last matchup between these teams, back in November, was a 95-79 Indiana win. Even if Gasol isn’t healthy, don’t be surprised if playing at home helps Memphis deliver a better performance this time around.
Main Course: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors
10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV
The first two contests between these teams happened months ago, but the close results give reason for excitement with the Spurs visiting Oracle Arena on Saturday. San Antonio won those two early-season games by a combined four points, and things likely won’t be any easier this time around.
The Warriors have found their footing in recent weeks with 13 wins in 17 games. The Spurs are obviously red-hot, too, with 12 consecutive wins. If you have NBA TV or League Pass, this is definitely the basketball game to watch tonight (unless you're feeling that March Madness).
Keep an eye on Stephen Curry, too. The Warriors guard is averaging 26.2 points and eight assists in his past five games. During that stretch, he's shooting 53 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc.
Dessert: Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Clippers
10:30 p.m. ET, League Pass
The Clippers have had a few days off since their 110-100 loss to Denver on Monday, making the odds of a Detroit upset all the more improbable. The Pistons haven't won a road game since topping the Wizards in the nation's capital on Jan. 18 and have dropped 14 of 17 overall.
That unfortunate combination of factors makes a classic Clippers beatdown possible, though the first game between these squads finished with a reasonable 112-103 L.A. win. If Andre Drummond or Brandon Jennings goes off with a big game, it's at least possible things are competitive.
Other games (all times ET)
Trail Blazers vs. Bobcats, 7 p.m.
Heat vs. Hornets, 8 p.m.
