We’re in the final month of the NBA regular season before the Playoffs begin, so everyone’s hoping to close out the season on a high note. That means the games get that much more exciting, particularly when we’re talking about teams who can practically taste the postseason already. 

How to Watch

Watch NBA on NBC on NBC and streaming on Peacock. 

This week, the NBA on NBC‘s Coast 2 Coast Tuesday brings you a pair of games featuring teams fighting for every advantage on the way to the Playoffs, from teams on the bubble to teams trying to avoid the Play-in Tournament. Let’s take a closer look.

RELATED: All the NBA Games on NBC and Peacock This Week

Who’s playing March 17 on NBA on NBC’s Coast 2 Coast Tuesday?

This week’s Coast 2 Coast Tuesday lineup begins with a pair of Eastern Conference teams, one hoping to hold on to an automatic playoff berth, the other hoping to make it to the Play-In. It’s the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the Milwaukee Bucks, and it tips off at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

Following that game, at 10 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, we’ll head out West to Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado for an interconference game between a pair of teams still trying to seal their playoff fates. The Philadelphia 76ers are right in the fight for a playoff berth right now, but their still trying to lock it in as they take on the Denver Nuggets, who are fighting to hold on to their own playoff spot in the Western Conference, as several nearly neck-and-neck teams make a final push. 

Both games will air in their respective regions on NBC, and you can catch all the action, regardless of region, streaming on Peacock. Live coverage of the evening’s action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock with NBA Showtime, hosted by NBC Sports’ Maria Taylor alongside NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady.

RELATED: The Full NBA on NBC & Peacock Schedule for the 2025-2026 Season 

 

What to expect from Tuesday March 17 NBA on NBC games Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Cavaliers are looking every bit like a playoff team heading into this week. One of the league’s best offenses, led by top scorer Donovan Mitchell, has an added dose of veteran talent now that James Harden is on the squad and playing well, and they’ve had the Bucks’ number in two out of the three games they’ve already played so far this season. On the other side of the court, the Bucks have struggled, but if they can find a way to win through the next few weeks, they might have a Cinderella shot at the Play-In Tournament. The stakes are high for the Bucks, but the Cavs are by far the favorite.

NBC Sports’ Michael Grady is on play-by-play, alongside analyst Reggie Miller, and courtside reporter Zora Stephenson.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets

Out in Denver, the Nuggets are locked in a tight playoff race, just a couple of games ahead of teams like Phoenix who are right on the bubble between Play-In and automatic playoff berths. That means they need every win to get better postseason seeding, and with the return of healthy starters like Aaron Gordon to the lineup, they’ve got a good shot at victory Tuesday night. Standing in their way is a Sixers squad battered by injury. Tyrese Maxey, their leading scorer, isn’t expected to be back in the game until April, and Joel Embiid is a game time decision for Tuesday night. That means they’re hobbled, while the Nuggets are basically at full-strength. It’s not a done deal, but Denver’s definitely got the advantage. 

NBC Sports’ Terry Gannon will handle play-by-play, alongside analyst Derek Fisher, and courtside reporter Grant Liffmann.