Fansided

5 biggest games left on the NBA schedule

By Kareem Gantt

Mar 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) shoots over the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams (3) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) shoots over the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams (3) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 2016-17 NBA season entering its home stretch, here are the five biggest games left with major playoff implications.

The 2016-17 NBA season is entering its own version of March Madness.

This is the time when teams on the edge of the playoffs are looking to flip the switch and make a run into the postseason. While those edge teams will be battling just to make the postseason dance, other teams who are comfortably within the top eight will be looking to improve their playoff seeding and, hopefully, get homecourt advantage, at least in the first round.

So as this season winds into the home stretch, we took a look at the remaining games on the schedule and have picked out the five biggest games left that could make or break several teams who have dreams of a championship dancing in their minds.

Jan 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (center) drives between Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (left) and center Aron Baynes (right) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 116-103. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (center) drives between Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (left) and center Aron Baynes (right) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 116-103. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Heat at Pistons — Mar. 28

Watching the Heat battle back into playoff contention has been one of the bright spots this season. With Miami currently tied with the Pistons for the final playoff spot, this Mar. 28 will have major playoff implications.

After their dreadful start, the Heat have seemingly never come back to Earth thanks to the strong play of Goran Dragic and the surprising play of Dion Waiters. While it inspiring to see Miami in this spot, it’s the reverse for the Pistons, who many were expecting to be sleeping contenders this season.

Now, they’re in a fight for their playoff lives, and this game will go a long way to determining who will get the last playoff spot in the East.

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