Deron Williams (photo. Christian Kozowyck)

Five matchups to watch on Friday’s NBA schedule…

Utah @ Charlotte: Deron Williams vs. Ray Felton & D.J. Augustin
This season is supposed to be Deron’s time to really blow up, but since coming back from a preseason ankle injury, he’s struggled with his shot (4-for-15 FG’s) and his timing (3.5 turnovers per game) while trying to regain his lift and explosiveness. He’ll be busy going against the Bobcats’ twin point guards, who have a knack for pounding the ball and getting up their share of shots. Especially with Jason Richardson (knee) out of action, Felton and Augustin will give Deron a workout.
(NBA League Pass, 7 p.m. EST)

Denver @ Boston: Chauncey Billups vs. Rajon Rondo
The main thing that scared every Celtics fan about the pre-trade Pistons was the fact that Rondo couldn’t handle Chauncey, who averaged 22.7 points and 7.0 assists in three regular season meetings last season and poured in 26 and 29 points, respectively, in Games Five and Six of the conference finals. The new uniform and conference for Chauncey means he’s no longer a postseason threat to the C’s, but he’s still got Rondo’s number.
(ESPN, 8 p.m. EST)

Portland @ New Orleans: Greg Oden vs. Tyson Chandler
Nate McMillan doesn’t want to throw Oden into the fire too fast, but he’ll be tempted if N.O.’s bigs get off to a good start or Chris Paul starts making a living in the lane in this one. Letting Oden loose against Chandler for long stretches would actually be a good test — Chandler isn’t going to be a primary option in the Hornets’ offense, so Oden can work on other areas of the game without worrying about getting lit up on the scoreboard.
(NBA League Pass, 8 p.m. EST)

Houston @ San Antonio: Tracy McGrady vs. Tim Duncan
Even without suspended Rafer Alston in the lineup, this could be like the adidas commercial, only TD is bringing a bunch of kids with him and T-Mac has a real NBA team.
(NBA League Pass, 8:30 p.m. EST)

Detroit @ L.A. Lakers: Rasheed Wallace vs. Pau Gasol
Clash of styles. ‘Sheed will want to bring Gasol out to the three-point arc, Gasol will want to keep it closer to the rim. If ‘Sheed wants to he could play Pau’s game and still win, but how many times have we said that before?
(ESPN, 10:30 p.m. EST)