The NBA season is still in its early stages, but we’re already seeing a myriad of intriguing storylines pop up. Whether it’s the surprisingly hot start for the Chicago Bulls, the emergence of Austin Reaves for the Los Angeles Lakers, or a multitude of scandals – from players to a coach, an former executive and an owner – there are numerous dramatic stories to follow as the season progresses.
Between NBA Cup battles, showdowns between young superstars, or measuring sticks for some of the more surprising teams in the league, this week’s slate of NBA games is sure to thrill fans across the country.
Here are the five best games to watch from this week, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 4:
Best NBA games to watch: Nov. 4-8
Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 4
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Stream: Fubo, NBA League Pass
There were some fans out there who believed the Philadelphia 76ers were a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. They have a lot of talent, including All-Star Tyrese Maxey, rookie VJ Edgecombe and former MVP Joel Embiid, but the question is whether or not that talent can stay healthy.
The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, were not expected to do this well. They were expected to be where they’ve always been the last few years, near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Now, both teams sit atop the Eastern Conference at 5-1. One of them will fall. The other will have first place all to themselves.
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 5
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, ESPN2, Bally Sports Southwest
Stream: Fubo, ESPN+
This is a true sword vs. shield matchup. The Los Angeles Lakers boast one of the best offenses in the NBA. Even without LeBron James, the Lakers, behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, are averaging 119 points per game. However, they are also surrendering 116 points per game, a very mediocre mark for a team with a 6-2 record. The Spurs are surrendering only 108 points per game, the best mark in the NBA, and they also have the early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year (and maybe MVP) in Victor Wembanyama.
Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs
Date: Friday, Nov. 7
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: N/A
Stream: Prime Video
The San Antonio Spurs have already flexed their Texas dominance with a win over the Dallas Mavericks in the season opener, but a new challenger approaches on Wednesday. The Houston Rockets, winners of four of their last five, are challenging San Antonio for the Texas crown. Will Wembanyama’s defense and the Spurs’ youthful energy be enough to take down Kevin Durant?
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors
Date: Friday, Nov. 7
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, ESPN2, Bally Sports Southwest
Stream: Fubo, ESPN+
The Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors are a pair of teams looking to reestablish themselves as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. Last year, both teams were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Early on this season, both teams boast records above .500 and have both suffered surprising losses at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Although the Warriors defeated the Nuggets earlier this year, a game in which Aaron Gordon dropped 50 points for Denver, this matchup will hold a little more weight as part of the NBA Cup. The prospect of another 50-burger and the weight of this being an NBA Cup matchup make this a very intriguing matchup.
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: Bally Sports Ohio
Stream: Fubo, NBA League Pass
The Bulls make this list for the second time because frankly, it’s time we figure out what’s making them so good. The emergence of Josh Giddey has obviously helped tremendously but is this a sustainable pace for him?
On the other side, coming into Tuesday this week, the Cleveland Cavaliers have lost three of their last four. Is this a sign of things to come or can they put their best foot forward against a surprisingly strong Chicago team?
