The Winter Olympics have concluded and March Madness is just around the corner, but even in this brief lull between two of the year’s biggest events in sports, it’s a great week to watch a variety of games.

In NCAA basketball, the regular season wraps up this week and the conference tournaments are next on the agenda. Selection Sunday is March 11 with the tournament kicking off on March 13. Yes, it’s that close. Time to start thinking brackets. The Louisville Cardinals, whose 2013 NCAA championship was vacated last week, are in a fight for a playoff berth. A win over top-ranked Virginia could be the ticket. It should be a good matchup on Thursday night.

In the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, the playoffs don’t start until April, but the jockeying for position is getting serious now. The NBA trade deadline is past, and the NHL will wrap up all trades on Monday. Then it’s full-speed ahead.

Click here to see the 20 best events in sports this week.

On schedule in the NBA this week, there are a handful of games that should be entertaining, with the Philadelphia 76ers at the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, and the East-West showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

If you haven’t borne witness to the phenomenon that is the Vegas Golden Knights yet, you have a chance to watch on NBCSN when they meet the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. The Knights, a first-year NHL expansion team, have wildly surpassed expectations and have a comfortable hold on first place in the Pacific Division. Expansion teams are expected to struggle in their first season, but apparently the Knights didn’t get the memo.

The Olympics are over and the playoffs are on the horizon. It’s a great time to slow down and enjoy some of the best competitions of the regular season.

1.Texas Tech Red Raiders at West Virginia Mountaineers
> Sport: NCAA basketball
> Date: Monday, Feb. 26
> Time (ET): 9:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: ESPN2
> Why it’s exciting: Final push before March

Look for the Mountaineers to seek revenge after losing to the Red Raiders, 72-71, on Jan. 13. If West Virginia wants to reverse its fortunes, it will need to find an answer for Keenan Evans and Brandone Francis, who led the Texas Tech scoring that day. That loss snapped a 15-game win streak and sent West Virginia tumbling down the rankings from their perch at No. 2. Texas Tech climbed up the rankings since that win. Both teams currently sit in the top 25 and a win could boost either team’s chances of getting a higher seed in March.

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2. Texas Longhorns at Kansas Jayhawks
> Sport: NCAA basketball
> Date: Monday, Feb. 26
> Time (ET): 9:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: ESPN
> Why it’s exciting: Perennial power vs. bubble team

The Jayhawks are playing their best ball of the season after topping Iowa State and West Virginia. They have a shot at a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament. A win against Texas would boost their chances. Kansas’ depth could be an issue, but the starting five is strong — they shoot around 40% from the three-point line and they are improving on defense. Kansas has a chance at its 14th straight Big 12 title and could be a handful for the slumping Longhorns in their final Big 12 game this season. Texas needs the win to keep slim hopes alive for an NCAA berth. Adding to the intrigue, both teams will have an FBI investigation into impermissible player benefits hanging over their heads when the game tips off.

3. St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild
> Sport: NHL hockey
> Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: NBCSN
> Why it’s exciting: Divisional opponents battle for playoff spot

The Blues and Wild have met in two of the past three seasons in the first round of the playoffs. Each team has won one round. With both teams in the mix for the final wild-card spots in the Western Conference, each meeting is key with the playoffs looming in April. Blues coach Mike Yeo, the former Wild coach, needs to get his bunch on track against the Wild after losing the last two against his former team. Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who has been a saving grace for a Minnesota team that underperforms at times, needs a stellar game against Blues scorers like Brayden Schenn, who is having a career season and leads the team in scoring.

4. Washington Wizards at Milwaukee Bucks
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: TNT
> Why it’s exciting: Jockeying for Eastern Conference position

For the haul down the stretch the Wizards re-signed backup point guard Ramon Sessions, an NBA journeyman who was cut by the Knicks in January. Sessions will help fill the gap as point guard John Wall is out for at least another few weeks after knee surgery. The Wizards don’t want to lose ground in the playoff race. Same with the Bucks. Washington will have its hands full with the Bucks’ young forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is coming off his second straight All-Star game. He leads the Bucks in most every offensive category and is one of the NBA leaders in minutes played per game.

 

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5. Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27
> Time (ET): 10:30 p.m.
> Where to watch: TNT
> Why it’s exciting: Struggle for the last postseason berths

The NBA playoffs don’t officially start until April 14, but in the West the goal is to earn the fifth or sixth seed to avoid Houston and Golden State in the first round of the playoffs. This game is key for both the Nuggets, who are in a better position to achieve that sixth spot, and the Clippers, who have survived since the trade of Blake Griffin to the Pistons. It’s only their second meeting this season. The Clippers won the first, 109-104 in mid-January.

 

6. Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights
> Sport: NHL hockey
> Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27
> Time (ET): 10:30 p.m.
> Where to watch: NBCSN
> Why it’s exciting: A rivalry in the making

The upstart Vegas Golden Knights, in their initial season, are the NHL’s biggest surprise. They seem to break NHL records week after week, including points by an expansion team in the first season. They’ve accomplished that with several weeks remaining in the season. Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is closing in on 400 career wins, a mark only accomplished by a dozen goaltenders in NHL history. He’ll have to stop center Anze Kopitar, who leads the Kings in points and assists.

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7. Providence Friars at Xavier Musketeers
> Sport: NCAA basketball
> Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28
> Time (ET): 6:30 p.m.
> Where to watch: FS1
> Why it’s exciting: Top four vs. last four in

Xavier sits atop the Big East, while Providence is in the middle of the pack. Yet in their first meeting on Jan. 6, the Friars were victorious at home, 81-72. The Musketeers have sewn up an NCAA Tournament berth, while the Friars are not guaranteed a berth. To beat Xavier twice in Big East action would be huge for the Friars. Of course, the Musketeers might have revenge on their minds.

 

8. Golden State Warriors at Washington Wizards MA
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: ESPN
> Why it’s exciting: Warriors always entertain

It’s not like the Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champs, are coasting to the playoffs, but certainly the postseason is what matters. They’ll likely be either the first or second seed in the Western Conference. Warriors’ guards Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant bring the star power and present a challenge for any defense. With so much parity in the East, the Wizards look to earn the fourth seed for home court advantage. A win here would be help their cause. Shooting guard Bradley Beal is picking up the slack with point guard with John Wall out with a knee injury. Beal leads the Wizards in scoring.

 

9. Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28
> Time (ET): 10:30 p.m.
> Where to watch: ESPN
> Why it’s exciting: Time for round 2

No love is lost between these Pacific Division rivals. When they last met on Jan. 18, the Clippers pulled off a 113-102 upset at the Staples Center. The drama was not over at the final buzzer. Several Rockets found their way to the Clippers locker room, apparently looking to confront Austin Rivers and Blake Griffin. The ensuing ruckus resulted in two-game suspensions for Rockets forward Trevor Ariza and guard Gerald Green. Expect the drama from that melee to carry over into this game.

 

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10. Arsenal at Manchester City
> Sport: Premier League
> Date: Thursday, March 1
> Time (ET): 2:45 p.m.
> Where to watch: NBCSN
> Why it’s exciting: Can anyone stop Man City?

This will be the second straight game for these two teams, who will meet in the Carabao Cup final prior to this game. Manchester City won their first meeting this season, 3-1, on Nov. 5. Manchester City sits atop the Premier League with a 23-3-1 record, while Arsenal is sixth with a 13-6-8 record. Arsenal has won just two of its last 11 Premier League meetings against Manchester City, drawing five and losing four.

 

11. Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Bruins
> Sport: NHL hockey
> Date: Thursday, March 1
> Time (ET): 7:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: NBCSN
> Why it’s exciting: Two red-hot teams collide

Two of the NHL’s hottest teams meet for the third time this season after splitting their first two. The Bruins’ penalty kill will be tested by the Penguins best-in-the-NHL power play, which features Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel — whose sister was on the U.S. gold medal Olympic hockey team. Crosby, no longer a kid, is closing in on his 1,100th point, all for the Penguins who have been winning in bunches. The Bruins depend on Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pasternak, and they will be needed against the defending Stanley Cup champs.

 

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12. Virginia Cavaliers at Louisville Cardinals
> Sport: NCAA basketball
> Date: Thursday, March 1
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: ACC Network
> Why it’s exciting: Louisville needs a big win

This game is a huge chance for the Cardinals to notch a marquee win that they may need to squeeze into the NCAA Tournament. The top-ranked Cavaliers are the final ranked team that they face. It’s tough to depend on a big win in the ACC Tournament, although it could happen. The Cardinals are just off an 82-56 shellacking by Duke, where they were held to their season-low 56 points. Of course, top-ranked Virginia may have something to say about Louisville getting a bid. Virginia topped Louisville 74-64 in their first meeting on Jan. 31.

 

13. Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Thursday, March 1
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: TNT
> Why it’s exciting: Young stars vs. new-look Cavs

No one knows where LeBron James will land next season, but talk grew louder during the All-Star weekend that James could be a good fit with the Sixers. He made a point to rave about Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid on and off the court. Think about it. The chatter could add drama to this matchup between a young team like the Sixers and the veteran Cavaliers who won four straight heading into the All-Star break. Larry Nance Jr., who arrived in Cleveland a few weeks ago via a trade with the Lakers, has fit in nicely.

 

14. Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Friday, March 2
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: ESPN
> Why it’s exciting: Potential playoff preview

The Raptors haven’t exactly sewn up the No. 1 playoff seed, but they are headed in that direction. This matchup could be a playoff preview if the Wizards keep up the pace following the All-Star break. This will be their fourth meeting this season. Washington has won two of the three, most recently a 122-119 win on Feb. 1. Keep an eye on Wizards’ guard Bradley Beal and Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, who led their squads in scoring in that game.

 

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15. Clemson Tigers at Syracuse Orange
> Sport: NCAA basketball
> Date: Saturday, March 3
> Time (ET): 2:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: ACC Network
> Why it’s exciting: Clemson could derail Syracuse’s postseason hopes

While Clemson seems to be a lock to make it into the NCAA Tournament, Syracuse is on the bubble after beating Miami. Still, the Orange could use a big win to help their cause, and this is their final game before the ACC Tournament. The timing couldn’t be better for the Orange to take advantage of the Tigers’ woes. Clemson has taken a tumble of sorts — including a loss at Virginia Tech — after losing senior leader Donte Graham for the rest of the season. They have also been without starting point guard Sheldon Mitchell (concussion), who is expected to return at some point.

 

16. Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals
> Sport: NHL hockey
> Date: Saturday, March 3
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: NBC
> Why it’s exciting: Stadium Series outdoor hockey

The setting of this game will steal the show early as the two hockey teams play outdoors at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The Caps will wear navy blue uniforms for the first time in team history. Once the pageantry is over and the puck is dropped it will be all hockey. It’s a great matchup between Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, who at age 32 leads the NHL in goals, and Toronto’s 20-year-old phenom Auston Matthews, who is a threat all over the ice.

 

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17. North Carolina Tar Heels at Duke Blue Devils
> Sport: NCAA basketball
> Date: Saturday, March 3
> Time (ET): 8:15 p.m.
> Where to watch: ESPN
> Why it’s exciting: Top Ten Tobacco Road showdown

It’s always a good matchup but never more so than now. Oddly enough, Duke’s defense has surged since they lost Marvin Bagley III to a knee injury. The Blue Devils started 3-0 with him out of the lineup. Javin DeLaurier, a better defender, has seen more playing time in his absence, which could be a factor. If the Blue Devils can maintain their strong defensive play, the sky is the limit in the tournament. At the same time, the North Carolina offense has improved with Roy Williams’ five-out offensive attack, which allows a variety of players to step up and score. In their first meeting on Feb. 8, North Carolina prevailed, 82-78.

 

18. Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Saturday, March 3
> Time (ET): 8:30 p.m.
> Where to watch: ABC
> Why it’s exciting: East vs. West showdown

While the playoff implications aren’t huge in this matchup, look to be entertained by the best in the West (the Rockets) and nearly the best in the East (the Celtics). The All-Star break interrupted a 10-game Houston win streak. The Celtics will have to contain James Harden, who averaged 32.5 points per game in that 10-game stretch. The Celtics, led by Kyrie Irving, lost three straight going into that break and need to get back on track if they hope to catch the Raptors for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

 

19. Cincinnati Bearcats at Wichita State Shockers
> Sport: NCAA basketball
> Date: Sunday, March 4
> Time (ET): 12:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: CBS
> Why it’s exciting: Fight for top seed

These two teams are atop the American Athletic Conference with just a one game difference in the standings. So, yes, this one’s a big deal. The winner takes the AAC top seed. In their previous meeting this season, the Shockers won 76-72 on Feb. 18. That victory sent Wichita State up six spots in the rankings and the Bearcats tumbled down six spots. Could this be any closer? The Bearcats need to boost their offense, while the Shockers’ defense could use a tune-up. Look for a close one.

 

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20. Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks
> Sport: NBA basketball
> Date: Sunday, March 4
> Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
> Where to watch: ESPN
> Why it’s exciting: Young stars on display

Well rested after the All-Star break, look for the fireworks from center Joel Embiid, who leads the Sixers in points and rebounds. He’s one of the NBA’s best young stars at age 23 but he’ll have company on the court with Bucks’ forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is also 23. Antetokounmpo, who is in his fifth season, leads the Bucks in points, rebounds, and assists. Both teams are expected to make the playoffs, but they must not fade down the stretch. Look for a high-scoring affair here.

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