What to watch on NBA League Pass for the week of Dec. 10-Dec. 16

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From Dec. 10-Dec. 16, 20 games are set to air on national TV, but there are a number of other can't-miss games throughout the week that can only be found on NBA League Pass.

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From this week's team to watch to the biggest matchups throughout the week, check below for the week ahead on NBA League Pass.

All times Eastern.

Team to watch: Memphis Grizzlies

Monday, Dec. 10 @ Denver, 9 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 12 vs. Portland, 8 p.m. | Friday, Dec. 14 vs. Miami, 8 p.m. | Saturday, Dec. 15 vs. Houston, 8 p.m.

Memphis enters the week at 15-10 and is just two games back from Golden State for the West's No. 1 seed. Last week saw the Grizzlies win two of its three games, with the wins coming over the Clippers and Pelicans while their one loss came to the Lakers on Saturday night.

The team is off to an encouraging start after winning just 22 games last year in a season marred by the injury of guard Mike Conley, who appeared in just 12 games. With Conley back in the fold and J.B. Bickerstaff leading the way sans an interim label, Memphis has stuck with its patented grit-and-grind style to bog teams down. The Grizzlies play at the league's slowest pace, have the second-best scoring defence and are tied for the fourth-best Defensive Rating.

Through the season's first 25 games, Conley is leading the way for Memphis by averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game. 11-year veteran Marc Gasol continues to serve as the team's anchor, averaging 17.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.

While the veteran duo leads the way, the franchise's heir apparent is already on the roster.

If any positives could be taken from the team's 22-60 finish last year, it would be the No. 4 pick that the team used to select Jaren Jackson Jr. from Michigan State. Jackson has impressed so far, as he is averaging 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and one steal per game. His scoring average is fifth among all rookies, his steals average is third and he leads all rookies in blocks per game. It's early, but Jackson is showing the promise of a generational talent.

This week, Memphis takes the floor four times, opening with a tough road test in Denver before returning to the FedEx Forum for three home games. On Wednesday, the Grizzlies host Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers, who are right in the middle of the packed Western Conference as well.

Memphis closes the week with back-to-back home games: the Heat visit Friday in what will be Dwyane Wade's last game in FedEx Forum and on Saturday night, the struggling Rockets visit in what should be a big divisional showdown.

Best Games of the Week

Monday, Dec. 10: Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers

It's the fourth and final meeting between the Pistons and Sixers this season, meaning it's the final regular-season meeting between Andre Drummond and Joel Embiid. What else is there to say?

Wednesday, Dec. 12: Atlanta Hawks vs. Dallas Mavericks

Since being swapped on draft night, Luka Doncic and Trae Young have been two of the league's top rookie performers this season. The two met earlier in the year and play for the second and final time Wednesday night in Dallas.

Friday, Dec. 14: Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento surprised many by its strong start out of the gate, establishing itself as one of the more fun up-and-coming teams in the league. The Kings host the Warriors, who are inching closer to being back at full strength after dealing with injuries to their starters all year.

It took a game-winner from Klay Thompson for the Warriors to escape past the Kings in their first meeting of the season, and Friday should be entertaining.

Saturday, Dec. 15: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets

LeBron James and the Lakers make their lone visit to Charlotte to take on Kemba Walker and the Hornets Saturday night. Over 48 career games, LeBron averages 28.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists against Charlotte and he holds a remarkable 22-0 record against Walker in the regular season.

Sunday, Dec. 16: Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Pelicans

It's Wade's final dance and as New Orleans is a significant place in his career, his final trip there is worth noting. Wade scored his college career high in New Orleans, appeared in a Final Four in New Orleans and won the first playoff series of his career against New Orleans.

The fans are sure to show appreciation for what is likely his final pro game there.

Author(s)
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Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.