Christmas is more than just a holiday; it’s become a beloved tradition for basketball fans across the globe. This year, the NBA will serve up another exciting slate of games on December 25, offering over 12 hours of non-stop action from some of the league's most fascinating teams. Get ready for five matchups throughout the day, each filled with star power and enticing storylines.
Starting the festivities at noon ET, the San Antonio Spurs will face off against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. All eyes will be on Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama, who is making headlines with his impressive stats this season, averaging 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and league-leading 4.0 blocks. Wembanyama is on track for his first All-Star appearance, making this matchup particularly exciting. Meanwhile, the Knicks will look to Jalen Brunson, who delivered a stunning 38-point performance last Christmas against Milwaukee, hoping to replicate such brilliance on this grand stage.
Game two features the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the Dallas Mavericks at 2:30 PM ET. The Timberwolves are at a crossroads, trying to find their rhythm after the absence of their star, Karl-Anthony Towns, due to injury. Mavericks star Luka Dončić, known for his high-scoring Christmas Day performances, will lead his team. Dončić has consistently delivered on this day, scoring 27 points in 2020, 32 points in 2022, and even a remarkable 50 points (plus 15 assists) last year. Can he continue this streak?
Next, the Philadelphia 76ers meet the Boston Celtics at 5 PM ET. This matchup is always compelling, not only for the playoff rivalry but also for the individual accolades at stake. Jayson Tatum has emerged as one of the league’s top players and is expected to shine once again, averaging 28.8 points per game this season. His teammate Jaylen Brown's performance will also be under scrutiny, adding to the game’s competitive nature. On the Sixers' side, Tyrese Maxey, fresh off his solid performance against the Spurs, will need to step up against the fierce Celtics defense.
Later, at 8 PM ET, the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors, featuring the celebrated rivalry between LeBron James and Steph Curry. James is not only making his 19th Christmas appearance but is also the all-time leading scorer on this day, boasting 476 points across the years. Anthony Davis is another key factor for the Lakers, whose powerful game will be pivotal if they aim to topple the struggling Warriors, who have recently had issues finding their form.
The day closes with the Denver Nuggets taking on the Phoenix Suns at 10:30 PM ET. This matchup promises to be intriguing, especially with Denver's Nikola Jokić, who has had phenomenal Christmas performances, recorded a triple-double last year. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, one of the game's great scorers, will look to add to his already impressive Christmas resume, being fourth on the all-time Christmas scoring list with 315 points.
Betting on Christmas games adds another layer of excitement. Each game features unique betting lines and player prop bets. For enthusiasts, focusing on key player performances can be advantageous. The Knicks are expected to keep Towns away from the basket to maximize scoring opportunities, leading to bets on his three-point shots.
Experts believe Luka's Mavericks are positioned well to cover the spread versus the Timberwolves. Given their recent upward trend, backing the Mavs seems prudent. Meanwhile, the Celtics are favored to control their matchup against the 76ers, especially with Derrick White's enthusiasm against this team.
Similarly, the Lakers and Warriors matchup appears well-matched, but betting on the Lakers with the points could be smart as both teams battle for supremacy. The Nuggets-Suns matchup is tricky, with analysts predicting potential low scoring stemming from both teams' recent performance trends.
This Christmas, whether you're rooting for old favorites or newcomers, the NBA's festive offerings promise thrilling action, star-studded performances, and plenty of surprises. Embrace the holiday spirit and settle down for what will certainly be another memorable day of basketball delight!