NBA Schedule 2012: Must-See Matchups for All Diehard NBA Fans This Week

This upcoming week of NBA action isn't the best slate of marquee matchups of the season, but there are still some must-see games on the schedule.

This week is highlighted by a three-game East Coast trip for the Los Angeles Lakers to some venues that Kobe Bryant typically has great success in.

Here's a look at seven must-see matchups for the diehard NBA fan.

Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphi 76ers

When: Monday February 6

Time: 7 pm EST

Bryant returns to his Philadelphia roots as the Lakers visit the Sixers on Monday night.

It's a game filled with surprises. It's a surprise that the Lakers are struggling at 14-10 overall and only 3-8 away from the Staples Center.

It's also a surprise that they are visiting the first-place Sixers who are 17-7 on the season and a dominant 12-3 at home.

With the NBA's leading scorer making his one trip back to Philadelphia this season, something big could happen.

Indiana at Atlanta

When: Wednesday, February 8

Time: 7:30 pm EST

A matchup of a pair of contending Eastern Conference team that could ultimately be a playoff preview.

The Pacers have won four of the last five games and won the previous meeting against Atlanta earlier in the season.

At 16-7, the Pacers are a half-game better than the 16-8 Hawks.

This promises to be a good one.

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics

When: Thursday, February 9

Time: 8:00 pm EST

Does it get any better than Lakers against Celtics?

Even with both teams struggling on the season, Lakers versus Celtics qualifies as can't-miss television.

Boston is 8-2 during their past 10 games and is looking to keep their season turned in the right direction.

Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks

When: Friday February 10

Time: 8:00 pm EST

A matchup of maybe the two most disappointing teams in the NBA, but it's Kobe Bryant at Madison Square Garden, where more than once he's done the spectacular.

Los Angeles Clippers at Philadelphia 76ers

When: Friday, February 10

Time: 7:00 pm EST

Speaking of spectacular, that's what's on tap when Lob City visits Philadelphia.

It's a matchup of two first-place teams, but who will prevail when the high-flying Clippers face the NBA's best defensive team in Philadelphia?

Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics

When: Sunday, February 12

Time: 3:30 pm EST

The Celtics are hot, but they have to contend with the best team in the Eastern Conference when they play host to the Bulls.

We'll see how they contend with the reigning MVP Derrick Rose.

Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks

When: Sunday, February 12

Time: 7:00 pm EST

This is a battle for the Southeast Division lead as the Heat head into Atlanta.

The teams have split a pair of matchups so far, including an Atlanta win in Miami and a Heat triple-overtime winner in Atlanta without both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

Both should be in the lineup this time around.