'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As the NBA 2020-21 season builds towards the business end and the focus turns to the playoffs, the battle for postseason places is beginning to take shape. The fight atop the East is heating up as the Brooklyn Nets are tied with the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Milwaukee Bucks sit 2.5 games behind.
Over in the West, the Utah Jazz have begun to put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack (three games). Meanwhile, the LA Lakers are trying to hold the fort with Anthony Davis and LeBron James still out.
As the NBA 2020-21 regular season winds down, there is a jam-packed pile of games in April coming up. On that note, let's have a look at five key matchups worth tuning into.
Five most intriguing matchups in April | NBA 2020-21
After the remaining fixtures of the NBA-2020-21 season were announced, fans and teams must have begun to look out for the most important matches coming up. So, without further ado, let's take a look at five such games that could have an impact on the postseason battles shaping up.
#1 Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers - April 1st
Where better to start our list of the five most enticing matchups in the NBA 2020-21 regular season's last full month than on the first day of the month where two of the West's elite would collide?
The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers are separated by just two games in their conference standings. They have both won seven of their last ten matchups coming into this game.
In their first meeting of the ongoing season on Christmas Day, which was both teams' second game of the ongoing campaign, the LA Clippers won 121-108, courtesy of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combining for 44 points.
George is questionable this time around after missing the LA Clippers' previous two NBA outings with a foot injury, which could hinder the second-most potent offense in the league.
Meanwhile, Ty Lue will look to Iviza Zubac to keep the dominant Nikola Jokic quiet; Jokic currently leads the NBA MVP odds.
The Serbian center is averaging 26.2 points and 11.4 rebounds in the Nuggets' last ten games, where he has had a +/- score of 5.2.
Fans will be able to catch the exciting matchup nationally on NBA TNT.
#2 Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers - April 14th
Two weeks into April, fans will be able to see the current top two sides in the East battle it out in a showcase matchup that could be a precursor to the Eastern Conference Finals. The game will tip off at PM ET on ESPN and will hopefully feature a fit-again Kevin Durant.
While it is still unclear when the former MVP will return to the court, there is hope it could be as early as the middle of next week. However, the Brooklyn Nets are in no rush to force Durant back into action, as they sit with the same record as the Sixers, despite his absence.
This matchup will be hugely appealing to NBA fans, as it would be a battle between the best offense and second-best defense in the league.
Ben Simmons has led the 76ers at the defensive end along with Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid, all of whom have defensive ratings of 107.5 or less for the NBA 2020-21 season.
Meanwhile, James Harden and Kyrie Irving will look to overwhelm the Philadelphia 76ers with their prolific scoring, as both of them have put up over 26 points a night.
#3 Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers - April 21st
Back in the West, on April 21st, fans will see a matchup between the fifth and sixth-placed sides in the Conference. This could be an extremely important tie if they remain close enough in the standings by then.
Although the fixture will not be on national television in America, it could be well worth tuning into with an NBA League Pass.
The Trail Blazers sit just a half game behind the Nuggets and now have their full-strength starting lineup back.
The last time these two sides met just over a month ago, Nikola Jokic put up 41 points, but he will be up against the fit-again Jusuf Nurkic this time around.
Both sides have been closing in on the injury-depleted LA Lakers and could be on a similar record as that of the reigning champions by the time this game is played.
The Nuggets and Trail Blazers both have a top-6 offense this season, so fans can expect an electric matchup filled with scoring talent.
#4 Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks - April 22nd
On April 22nd, fans can tune into a blockbuster tie on NBA TNT, as the Milwaukee Bucks welcome the Philadelphia 76ers. This is another potential matchup that could take place in the postseason, as these two teams have dominated the East this year, with their big men running the show.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's athleticism and driving to the basket could face a stern test against Joel Embiid's defensive prowess.
Even without Embiid, the 76ers only just lost out by four points to the Bucks in overtime, holding them to under 110 points. Ben Simmons put up a triple-double that night, which could be required again should the 76ers have any luck on the road.
#5 LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns - April 28th
By this point in the NBA 2020-21 season, there will only be 18 days of action left, so the postseason picture could look clearer. Nevertheless, the LA Lakers and the Phoenix Suns are currently separated by only a game and a half, so their contest for second seed (or better) could go right down to the wire.
Both are 5-2 since the last time they played in Phoenix. Paul George erupted for 39 points while Chris Paul registered 15 points and nine rebounds against his former side in that game.
Chris Paul has been a stellar leader for the Phoenix Suns this season and should be involved in the 2020-21 MVP conversation. He ranks fifth in the league for assists per matchup with 8.5 and has a +/- rating of 4.8.
With a lot on the line for both teams when this game comes around, it could be a must-watch matchup on ESPN.
