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NBA playoffs picture: 20 biggest games to watch this week – USA TODAY
Every NBA game counts the same in the standings.
A November game matters just as much as a January or March game. However … as the NBA calendar turns to March and April, regular-season games have a heightened urgency and intensity because of playoff seeds.
The regular-season ends April 14, and with about 14-16 games remaining for each team, there is time to rise and fall in the standings. Much remains undetermined, including the No. 1 seed in the West and play-in game teams.
So even though the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments begin this week, the NBA rolls on with key games.
Here are the 20 most important games in the NBA this week:
The Cavaliers are eyeing a No. 2 seed, and the sixth-place Pacers are trying to stay out of the play-in game scenario.
Like Indiana, the Heat and 76ers are fighting for a top-six seed (like fifth or sixth) but a play-in game is also a strong possibility for both teams.
Both are headed for postseason play – but will it be a guaranteed first-round series or a play-in game situation?
In a three-game week at home for the Magic, they play teams with better winning percentages. They need to go at least 2-1, and picking off Charlotte is a good way to start.
Who’s complaining if this is the Western Conference finals matchup?
Telling stat for the Heat: 2-16 against the top seven teams in the NBA.
Boston is close to locking up the No. 1 seed but this is a possible conference finals preview.
The Suns have the third-toughest remaining schedule, according to tankathon.com. They can’t afford to drop home games against teams with worse records.
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Two quality and underappreciated teams meet in a measuring-stick game.
Health has limited the Knicks and will play a factor in where they finish.
Since Dec. 15, the Cavaliers have the third-most victories, tied with Denver and behind Boston and Oklahoma City.
In February and March, Zion Williamson has played his best basketball of the season, especially on assists, rebounds and free throw percentage.
Even with some injuries, the Pacers still have the second-best offense.
D’Angelo Russell has increased his offensive efficiency post-All Star break.
The Magic could end up with home-court advantage for a first-round series.
Third place isn’t out of reach for the Clippers but they’re likely headed to the fourth or fifth seed.
This very well could be a 3 vs. 6 matchup in the East playoffs.
The Timberwolves need to get quality wins without Karl-Anthony Towns (recovering from knee surgery) in the lineup.
Maybe a potential Finals matchup. But probably not. Still, these are two good teams with championship goals.
Let’s see how the week goes, but not only are the Lakers looking at a play-in game, they’ll probably have to win twice just to get the eighth seed.
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt