Non-76er NBA games to watch this week as MVP candidates and old rivalries emerge

Butler vs. Giannis. Boston vs. Cleveland. New York vs. getting a stop. NBA’s in full swing, baby.

I started this weekly column because I wanted 76ers fans to have a better gauge on the rest of the Eastern Conference and the wider league. Now, I think I do it because 76er fans can barely watch their own team anymore.

There’s still time for the team to turn their fortunes, but as the gap in the standings grows, it may be time to fall into the sweet, sweet bliss of neutral viewing. To enjoy the art of basketball, unattached and unbothered by the outcome. Take stock of the ridiculous amount of talent in the league; bear witness to all-time great players staking their claim on the season, saving their franchises and legacies; be hypnotized by the NBA Cup courts as the group round wraps up.

As usual: One game per day (with one exception this week), get snacks, book TV time, and bask in basketball’s glory.

Nov. 25: Los Angeles Clippers @ Boston Celtics
As expected, a James Harden-led team is dominating on the defensive end. The Little Brothers of LA Ball are fifth in defensive rating, achieved by coach Ty Lue galvanizing his players to force their foes into bad perimeter shots. Opponents are shooting just 33.4% from deep against them — the second-best defensive mark in the league. Offseason signing Kris Dunn defends like he’s attached via a harness to his matchup, always close enough to point out the intricacies of atrocious City jerseys, and, when off-ball, flinging back into position when the offensive possession shifts his way. He’s just one part of a defense that seems like they’re viewing the game in the third person, moving as a string and perfectly positioned in passing paths.

No other team makes the value difference between 2s and 3s more obvious and annoying than Boston. Every move they make with the basketball is a catalyst for a three-pointer. They are attempting an all-time league record of 50.5 threes per game. It’s frightening and frustrating to watch. When they connect it’s as if you’re strapped to the ground near an erupting volcano — not much you can do but hope it eventually ends, and when it does you’re just waiting for the resulting avalanche. Jayson Tatum has been an ultimate downhill force during his exploits to the paint, only made easier by his 37% three-point shot.

Nov. 26 (NBA Cup): Milwaukee Bucks @ Miami Heat
It seems Jimmy Butler has finally awakened from his ‘too good for the regular season’ daydream, posting 30 points in back-to-back games since he returned from injury. When he’s ‘stupidly locked in’ like this, he’s a supervillain hooper; calculated, the angriest guy on the floor, tricking innocent defenders into sending him to the line and then screaming at the crowd and pointing at his shaken foe. Some plays I expect him to break out into maniacal laughter after his master-pump-fake-plan comes to fruition.

If he is a supervillain, Milwaukee is the city he’s left near-demolished. Their hero Giannis Antetokoumpo was embarrassed by Butler back in the 2023 playoffs. That series led to Jrue Holiday being shipped off for Damian Lillard. A cataclysmic change to the roster that hasn’t yet reaped any rewards. But Giannis has not given up on his city, not just yet. He’s averaging a league-best 33.2 points in his last 10 games. His Bucks have gone 7-3 in that stretch, turning the season around just as a depressing end to the Freak’s saga in the franchise was emerging.

Butler and Giannis haven’t played each other since October of 2023. Both franchises need them to be at their villainous and heroic bests. It should be cinema.

And, it’s an NBA Cup game!

Nov. 27: Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland may have lost to the Celtics but it wasn’t as detrimental or demoralizing as it could have been. Boston shot lights out from three while Darius Garland couldn’t throw an airpod into the Grand Canyon, going 3 of 21 from the field — tied for the most shots he’s ever missed in a game. They are still at the top of the league and play with confidence somewhat offensive to struggling teams. Dance moves are busted out in the middle of games, hugs and smiles are thrown around like it’s Thanksgiving, and their superstar Donovan Mitchell is reaching the apex predator level of play, hanging around all game only to end teams in the fourth quarter.

But the Great Barrier Thief fears no guard. Dyson Daniels, the league’s most fun defender, will be tasked with defending one of Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland. It will be a test for all players. It will be mighty fun to watch as a mutual. Despite their 7-10 record, Atlanta can put together unreal performances, like their win against Boston in the NBA Cup last week. Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson look like a viable wing tandem for the next decade in professional basketball in the A.

Nov. 28: THANKSGIVING!
No NBA games… Happy Thanksgiving! We’re grateful you’re reading Liberty Ballers!

Nov. 29 (NBA Cup): New York Knicks @ Charlotte Hornets; AND Orlando Magic @ Brooklyn Nets
I decided to pick two games here because there were no games for Thanksgiving — and I really wanted to write about New York and Orlando. If only they played each other.

New York’s offense is incredible but their defense is not. The KAT-at-the-five defense isn’t working for them, just like it didn’t for the pre-Rudy Gobert Minnesota squads. Lucky for them the East’s current state means they have time to figure it out, but the longer they wait, the further they’ll be from Cleveland and Boston at the top of the conference.

LaMelo Ball just dropped 50 points. With how bad the Knicks’ defense is, him dropping 60 in the Garden could be on.

Without Paolo Banchero, Orlando is riding Franz Wagner’s alpha transition to the promised land, complete with shit-talking and golden locks. Since Paolo went down with an oblique tear on Oct. 31, Franz is averaging 25.4 points, 6.4 assists and 6.4 rebounds, Orlando has the second-best defensive rating, and they’ve won eight of their last nine. If they can keep this pace they’ll be in prime position to make big noise when Paolo returns.

Brooklyn has fallen off after a hot start but they can roll out a starting five of players who may be traded this offseason. It’s always interesting to watch those teams to gauge what value is in the market when they are traded.

And, they’re NBA Cup games!

Nov. 30: Washington Wizards @ Milwaukee Bucks
Washington has the worst defense in the league, so Giannis could drop 70. This game will be a cheeky gauge tester to see if this Bucks turnaround is real. You have to beat up on the bad teams, especially when you were one to begin the season.

Also, I don’t think I’ve mentioned the Wizards once in this column. Like the Nets, they have a few pieces they’ll likely look to flip at the deadline. But they have super fun young pieces in Bilal Coulibaly — a lengthy defender who is a French army knife on offense, one that has a ‘stank-face-enducing-dunk’ attachment. Bub Carrington — a goldfish memory scorer who plays with joy and the naivety of a rookie. Alex Sarr — the second overall pick in the last draft that should turn into an All-Defense type player, it’s just his offense that has the question marks at the moment. They’re worth watching at least once in the nine-month-long NBA season.

Dec. 1: Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Rematch! Their matchup last week was the first marquee game of the season and, despite their ridiculous offensive performance that day, I think Boston’s reputation at the top of the East took a tiny hit that day. They are rightly the favorites still, but the Cavs almost turned that game around despite Garland being blind and Boston going on disheartening runs.