Christmas is just a few days away and NBA fans, players and analysts are getting prepared for a day of hot chocolate, candy canes and NBA games. Five different games, starting with the Philadelphia 76ers vs. the New York Knicks at 12:00 PM ET and ending with Phoenix Suns vs. the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 PM ET.
With so many games going on in one day, I will break down each one for you individually.
76ers vs. Knicks
The first game on Christmas day will be between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks as they face off for a top spot within the Eastern Conference.
In the month of December, the 76ers have won five of their last seven games, and they will play two more before the Knicks. Joel, who has been having one of the best seasons of his career averaging 33 points a game, will look to stop Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks, who have caught fire in December, winning eight of their last nine games.
Lakers vs. Mavericks
At 2:30 PM ET, the Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Dallas Mavericks for the second game on NBA Christmas day. Both teams are on the edge of playoff and Play-in tournament contention and will be looking to better secure their spot.
The Lakers, who have had a rough start to the season, have seemed to begin finding the solution to their issues with Anthony Davis. AD has been having a monster season so far, but after facing an ankle injury, the Lakers will have to find another solution for beating the Mavs.
The Mavs story has been somewhat similar as they have had their own set of struggles this year although having a top player in Luka Doncic. The difference is the Mavs made a deep playoff push last year, and after reaching Christmas and being 10th in the West, the Mavs will be looking to take this game against the Lakers and create some space for themselves in the Western Conference.
Bucks vs. Celtics
At 5:00 PM ET, the only two teams that have yet to lose more than ten games and have been dominating the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics face each other to fight for control of the Eastern Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will be seeing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the first time after being denied a second finals appearance by the duo. The Bucks and Celtics will meet each other two more times after this, and Giannis will be looking to strike first and hold onto the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
JT, JB and the Boston Celtics have been showing what young star power can do. Right behind the Bucks in the East, the Celtics have been impressing people and fans across the league. After losing a head coach, many were worried the Celtics would lose some of their touch from last year, but just like last year the Celtics have been streaking and are looking to be the top team in the East again.
Grizzlies vs. Warriors
The Memphis Grizzlies will be repeating their Western Conference Finals match-up with the Golden State Warriors.
The Grizzlies have had a strong start to their season with the help of their young superstar, Ja Morant, and their young core leading the way. The Grizzlies have been shuffling around within the top three ranking and are looking to keep their high spot.
The Warriors have been a bit back-and-forth, winning games dominantly at home with tough losses on the road, need to win this game over a division rival. Unfortunately, they have lost their superstar Steph Curry (shoulder) and will need players like Jordan Poole to step up and close out this game.
Suns vs. Nuggets
The Western Conference has been a toss-up, but there have been four or five teams controlling the top spots. Two of those teams being the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns, and they will face off for the closing game on Christmas Night.
The Denver Nuggets have, of course, been led by their Serbian Center, Nikola Jokic who has been having another outstanding season, coming off back-to-back MVP’s. The Nuggets are currently leading the Western Conference and want to head into the New Year holding onto it.
The Phoenix Suns have been having an interesting year with players like Chris Paul coming off injury, their young superstar Devin Booker has once again stepped up for the suns when they need him most. Booker has been averaging 28ppg, and with help from his big man Deandre Ayton who is averaging just under a double-double the Suns are looking to gain some distance on the not-so-distant Nuggets.
