The NBA Christmas day games have been released in an early schedule drop. Traditionally this huge day for games features some combination of the Knicks, Lakers, Celtics and some other predicted contending teams. This year there are more exciting games featured on NBA Christmas day. Here’s a quick breakdown of each game.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: The Knicks are one of the regulars and have led to some of the most “time for a post-presents unwrapping nap” games over the last few years but this may be a nice showing of the leagues future. The 76ers are on the rise and the Knicks now have Kristaps Porzingis and their first round pick from this year’s draft, Frank Ntilikina. It should be a nice look at a couple of future stars for the casual fans who don’t know much about the young players.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Ganen State Warriors: Ah, an old go to and automatic ratings win. These two teams have played in a few of the most watched games of the past decade. It was an inevitability more than a possibility that they would be matched up on one of the leagues most important days. This game comes with as many juicy storylines as any. Is Kyrie a Cavalier? If not, who did they get for him? Did that make them better or worse? Are the Warriors so unafraid of the Cavaliers that they just go ahead and start Javale Mcgee at point guard and Swaggy P at center? Find out on Christmas day.
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics: The NBA has decided to run back one of last year’s most memorable playoff series. It is also a match-up of two Eastern Conference teams who should be top 3 seeds for the foreseeable future. This will be a nice fresh rivalry to watch after watching the Dubs smack the Cavaliers once more.
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: In a day filled with interesting games, this may be the most anticipated. Both franchises made big moves in attempt to compete with the incomparable Golden State Warriors and seeing which unit wins this game will prove to most who actually is closer to the juggernaut. Games between these two teams are usually charged with tension and this year they will also have a boost in talent.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers: NBA Christmas day will then end where it began, with a glimpse of the immediate future. Lonzo Ball has already filled stadiums in Summer League and the amount of young talent in this game should fill plenty of living rooms. The Timberwolves want to be good now, obvious from their trade for Jimmy Butler, but their main two guys are still under 25 years old. This is another game that has meaning in the present because it has a chance to be great in the future.
