2014 NBA schedule: Nuggets, Warriors clash in Bay Area, Heat visit DC to face Wizards

Wednesday's NBA schedule features coast-to-coast action from the early evening through primetime. The defending champs will head to the nation's capital to get things started.

By Michael Jones Jan 15, 2014, 2:00pm EST

Though there's no marquee matchup during a packed NBA schedule on Wednesday, there are still some exciting tilts to follow despite the potential for some lopsided affairs. One of two nationally-televised games could get out of hand, as the San Antonio Spurs should dismantle the Utah Jazz in the Lone Star State.

Anything can happen, of course; that's why they play the games on the court and not on paper. Here's a look at some of the best offerings on Wednesday night.

Appetizer: Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards

7 p.m. ET (League Pass)

The streaky Wizards will hope to play one of their best games of the season as LeBron James and the defending champion Heat come to town to crash the Verizon Center. The Wizards have been the picture of mediocrity this season and can show either flashes of brilliance or total lack of basketball acumen depending on the night. That much is evidenced by their middling 17-19 record, though they have shown the ability to play up to their competition.

John Wall is earning his max money this year and besting his career averages in points and steals per 36 minutes. He's a bona fide star and will likely show up in a big way with James and Dwyane Wade in town.

No matter the outcome, the star power alone figures to make this one fun to watch.

Main Course: Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors

10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

The main event figures to be the NBA version of a track meet as two of the leagues fastest-paced teams square off in a late night affair in northern California. Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw will return to his hometown of Oakland, Calif. to coach the team he played for during the 1997-98 season.

The story isn't just about nostalgia; there's plenty of substance to this game. Shaw's got his team playing well, and at 19-18, they're on the bubble in the Western Conference with plenty more basketball to play.

Stephen Curry is again in All-Star form, and may well start the game for the Western Conference after a perceived snub given injuries to Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul. He'll have all his talent on display in front of a national audience.

More Nuggets and Warriors coverage: Denver Stiffs Golden State of Mind

Dessert: Jazz vs. Spurs

8 p.m. (ESPN)

Who knows how this one will turn out? At face value, this game figures to be a blowout, but the Jazz will likely give every effort not to embarrass themselves with a rare opportunity to play on the big stage. They're playing well of late, having won six of their last 10.

But the Spurs are 30-8 and have the best record in the league. They'll be a force to be reckoned with at home in front of their own fans. This can either be predictably bad or surprisingly epic, depending on the circumstances. The Spurs own the season series lead by a margin of 2-0.

The other games (all times ET)

Chicago at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
LA Lakers at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Cleveland at Portland, 10 p.m.
Dallas at LA Clippers, 10:30 p.m.