Wednesday's sports television schedule is basketball heavy, with a pair of outstanding matchups. The Lakers battle Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks in Dallas on ESPN in a game featuring two top-tier playoff teams. Meanwhile, the Clippers look for their sixth straight home win against Minnesota, featuring a young power forward battle of the highest order, as Blake Griffin takes on Kevin Love.
↵Here is a look at today's full television schedule, which also features two very recordable baseball programs as well:
↵5 p.m. & 6 p.m.--Top 30 Most Intimidating Players; followed by Top 40 Greatest Teams (MLB Network): A pair of MLB Network countdowns will get you ready for baseball season, as spring training starts in less than a month. Both programs will be repeated later at night, at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively.
↵6 p.m.--Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks (KCAL, ESPN): The Lakers look to build on their big home win over Oklahoma City on Monday with a road test in Dallas. The Mavericks had the second-best record in the NBA before Nowitzki got hurt, and though he is now back Dallas has lost six straight contests.
↵7:30 p.m.--Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers (Prime Ticket): The Clippers are red hot at home right now, having won five straight home games. Clippers' announcer Mike Smith jokingly suggested during Sunday's broadcast that tonight's game should be a battle for an All-Star spot, whomever gets the most points and rebounds combined.