1. Heat vs Bucks, Nov. 26
This is the most important game for a multitude of reasons. For one, if you haven't noticed yet, they're at home for once! As a matter of fact, it's their only nationally televised home game out of the seven. I get they were the eighth seed, but still. Only one?
Next is that this game actually has relevance now! Not that the others won't, but this is an NBA Cup game against arguably the toughest team in the group. It's nice to know they have home court on the schedule, and hopefully, they can make a push to participate in Las Vegas. It also marks the third scheduled game, so they'll not only need a win but will know the target score they have to reach to either surpass other teams or maintain a lead.
Putting the clamps on Milwaukee is not just an opportunity to get them out of the tournament, but is also a way to close out November the right way. The Heat struggled to beat the elite teams last year, and we need to see more wins in that department. A big home game, stakes mattering, on live television for the world to see, the NBA themselves are practically asking for a statement to be made. Hopefully, they can answer the call.