NBA schedule: Nuggets face Pacers, Knicks this weekend

The Denver Nuggets' weekend schedule of games tips of Friday night as they go on the road to face the Indiana Pacers. The Nuggets will be looking to return to .500 on the year, but they will need to end their season-long road slump. While it is still early in the season, the Nuggets cannot afford to play poorly on the road as they are in a tight group for the final few Western Conference playoff spots.

The marquee game on Friday night features the Oklahoma City Thunder going up against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have been struggling under new head coach Mike D'Antoni and are just 9-10, but look for Los Angeles to be ready in what could be a Western Conference Finals preview. As for the Thunder, they are riding a six-game winning streak and have a lot of confidence as they host the Lakers.

There is one major game on Saturday in an East vs. West showdown as the Atlanta Hawks (10-5) go on the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies (13-3). Both teams are looking to stay at the top of their respective divisions. Each squad are balanced at home and on the road, and the difference in this game will revolve around the Grizzlies' scoring attack, which is led by Rudy Gay.

On Sunday, the Nuggets stay on the road to face the New York Knicks, and it will be a difficult matchup for Denver. The Knicks are currently 14-4 and are the best team in the Eastern Conference. A win against the Knicks would be huge for the Nuggets and could kick start the team to get on the winning track.

For the complete weekend NBA schedule check out SI.com.