NBA Game of the Night Preview

What a day for the first edition of the GOTN preview. THIRTEEN (13!) games will tip-off tonight and deciding The Game of the Night wasn’t easy. I had to poll the other writers to help me make a decision.

Here are the contenders on a stacked night: (Home team is first, all times ET)

7:30 pm – Raptors (26-12) vs. Hawks (31-8): 1 vs 3 in the East and a potentially great game (Times have changed, ATL vs TOR is a must see)

8:00 pm – Warriors (31-5) vs Thunder (18-20): Curry vs Westbrook, Klay vs. KD, two super talented teams on opposite ends of the West, should be exciting basketball ( on ESPN)

8:30 pm – Spurs (24-16) vs. Trail Blazers (30-9) : Spurs look to regain form against a talented Portland squad

Honorable Mention: 10:30 – Clippers vs. Cavs (Would be a top-3 game any other night)

THE WINNER IS……..

Spurs vs. Trailblazers

Kawhi Leonard is supposed to suit up tonight and he could make all the difference for the middling Spurs. He’s been out for a while with varying health concerns including an injured hand. In his limited time earlier in the season he contributed 15.2 PPG and 7.6 rebounds. His length and defensive presence could disrupt the blossoming Damian Lillard who has had a potent 3rd year. Last time these two teams met the game went into triple overtime (I was glued to the TV in an airport). Lillard went off for a career high 43 points that night and looked like a certified NBA superstar as he guided his team to victory. I’ll be watching closely for how the Spurs decide to defend the lethal Lillard and Aldridge pick and roll because both can shoot and drive expertly. If anyone can stop them it would be Coach Popovich. This should be a really exciting offensive game but if you don’t have league pass or live in the Area, watching the GSW vs. OKC and LAC vs. CLE should also be top notch basketball.