NBA schedule 2014: Knicks, Cavaliers meet up in Cleveland
Al Jefferson and Marc Gasol meet up in Memphis and Lob City suits up for what will likely be another blowout.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
NBA TV; 7:30 p.m. ET
Two teams fighting for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers and Knicks present our main course for the NBA’s Saturday night. The Knicks are coming off their first two-game win streak since late January and probably believe they have an actual shot at a playoff spot. They do, because anything is technically possible in the bottom of the East, but it’s going to require a run. Adding a third game to the streak would go a long way in making that run.
A month ago, the Cavaliers were in the midst of a six-game win streak and looked poised to make a legitimate push at a playoff spot. But with a loss in Charlotte on Friday, Cleveland has now lost three games in a row for the second time in two weeks. The tools -- Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson, etc. -- are here, but it's time to put them all together.
Appetizer
League Pass; 8 p.m. ET
A battle between two of the best defensive teams in the league, Charlotte and Memphis provides a marquee matchup down on the block between the offense of Al Jefferson and the brick house defense of Marc Gasol. Jefferson has been just a joy to watch all season: A throwback low post player with an arsenal of moves and the strength to compliment that skill. Since returning from injury, Gasol has revamped the Grizzlies' defense back to the familiar form of the last few years. This is something to watch.
Dessert
League Pass; 10:30 p.m. ET
Did you see what the Clippers did to the Lakers on Thursday? Did you see?! Lob City has evolved into a blitzing and powerful offense with a hybrid man-zone defense that has played at a top-10 level this season. The Clippers are packed with star power and wily, veteran role players and they have a legitimate shot at making the NBA Finals this season. That should be enough to keep an eye on them anytime they grace your television screen. The Hawks, well, they've fallen off a proverbial cliff since the All-Star break. But they're still a playoff team. For now.
More: Peachtree Hoops Clips Nation
Other games
Utah Jazz vs. Philadelphia 76ers -- League Pass; 7:30 p.m. ET
Orlando Magic vs. San Antonio Spurs -- League Pass; 8:30 p.m. ET
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