5 NBA games to watch this week

We're been treated to a ton of great basketball every week. That's the beauty of the NBA, especially if you're willing to stay up for the ever-flowing stream of terrific Western Conference matchups. For League Pass junkies, there's reason to tune in every single night, even if it's just to catch a glimpse of your new favorite player, Robert Covington.

For those who aren't as inclined to spend all night, every night flipping between games, we give you the five showdowns to most go out of your way to see this coming week.

Chicago at Atlanta, Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET

The Hawks may have had their win streak snapped on the weekend but they remain one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference. Consider the Bulls one of those, too, with three consecutive wins despite playing somewhat shorthanded.

The hope is obviously that Joakim Noah can give it a go Monday and embrace the task of locking down Al Horford. Elsewhere, Jeff Teague can test his hot start against Derrick Rose while Jimmy Butler gets the unenviable job of chasing Kyle Korver through screens all night.

Should the Bulls win, they'll move into a tie with the Hawks for the third-best record in the conference at 16-8.

Golden State at Memphis, Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The 21-2 Warriors are must-watch viewing right now, and probably forever. They'll look to extend their 16-game winning streak at The Grindhouse, where the Grizzlies will test their early two-way success against the league's best team.

There are plenty of interesting matchup questions, like whether defensive ace Draymond Green can capably cover the bulkier Zach Randolph, who would be tasked with guarding Marc Gasol if Andrew Bogut still can't go. Also, which talented guard do the Grizzlies throw Tony Allen on?

Oklahoma City at Golden State, Thursday, 10:30 p.m. ET (TNT)

Again, the Warriors remain must-see TV, at least until their winning streak comes to a close. Even if Memphis snaps the streak, would you argue with Russell Westbrook against Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant trying to put up points on the league's best defense?

That Westbrook-Curry showdown, in particular, should be a ton of fun. You know how Curry's an MVP candidate? Well, it may be worth looking closely at Westbrook's production through 10 games, too.

The Thunder, by the way, have won six straight and sit just half a game out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Portland at San Antonio, Friday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Two of the most beautiful, passing- and motion-heavy offenses in basketball? This one should be an offensive masterpiece, pitting two of the league's top-six teams in assist opportunities per game and two of the league's top-10 offenses overall.

There's really not much specific to sell you on beyond that. These are just two gorgeous offenses, head-to-head.

San Antonio at Dallas, Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET

There's a pretty significant risk here on the second night of a back-to-back, as the Spurs are wont to rest their key players in such situations. Hopefully, with the travel in-state and a perceived rival on the docket, Gregg Popovich rolls out his full squad.

If he does, it will mean a Tim Duncan-Dirk Nowitzki showdown for the 87th time. Of those, 33 have come in the playoffs and 53 in the regular season. Here's how two of the greatest power forwards ever have fared when head-to-head in the regular season: