nba brings gift of christmas day matchups

By: Ademide Shodunke and Milith Batchu

Apart from the NBA playoffs, Christmas Day has always had the greatest duels of the NBA season, and this time isn’t any different. From Victor Wembanyama’s highly anticipated debut at Madison Square Garden to Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards’ Western Conference Finals rematch, this day is packed with drama and star power. Fans will have the opportunity to witness historic performances from Jayson Tatum versus Tyrese Maxey to Lebron James and Steph Curry. We are even blessed with a primetime showdown between the defending champion Denver Nuggets and superstar- led team in Phoenix. Featuring five games across the day, what more could every fan of the sport ask for? 

Here’s a closer look at each matchup, breaking down the key storylines, players to watch, and even our prediction for the games, which we hope to be holiday hoops classics.

San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks 
12 p.m. ET on ESPN 
Madison Square Garden, New York City

The Spurs are a team looking to make some noise in the Western Conference. For the past couple of seasons they've been a bottom tier team. However, since they drafted Wembeyama in the first round of the 2023 draft class they've shown promise in cementing a foundation for a winning culture. Currently they're 11th in a stacked Western Conference and things can change, but only time will tell.

The Knicks are currently third in the east and have been playing efficient basketball. Their trade for Karl-Anthony Towns has looked like the best move a team made this off season, especially with the impact he provides to the roster. The Knicks are definitely the favorites to win this game with their balanced roster compared to the Spurs who have holes in theirs. Either way, this is a great game to kick off the Christmas games this season. 

Knicks 104, Spurs 101​

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
5 p.m. ET on ABC
TD Garden, Boston

One considered one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, that is no longer the case for the showdown between the Celtics and Sixers. The 76ers made waves in the offseason by acquiring 6x All-NBA Paul George, a move that led many analysts and fans to project them as a top seed in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they’ve fallen to a bottom seven offensive rating in the NBA.

On the other hand, the Celtics have lived up to and exceeded expectations, sitting comfortably in the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. Averaging a double digit point differential, the Celtics have dominated every team in their path. To make matters worse for the Sixers, Joel Embiid remains sidelined with injury after injury, and George’s status is uncertain as he continues to deal with a recurring knee injury.

The lone bright spots for Philadelphia this season have been their young talents, Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, both of whom have been stepping up for their lackluster teammates. However, McCain recently suffered a lateral meniscus tear and is out now indefinitely, further dooming the hopes for a potential upset win by the 76ers.

Celtics 124, 76ers 88

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Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
10:30 p.m ET on ESPN
Footprint Center, Phoenix 

Now this is the rematch we've all been waiting for. Two titans in the west going head to head for a game of the ages. This is definitely going to be a close game. Both teams have star studded rosters and a lot to play for. The Nuggets have finally found their identities in the west and have had good wins recently. The Suns just got Durant back from injury and have been rolling; frankly, without him they're just not a good team and their record without him proves that. Now that he has returned, this game will be very evenly matched and may be game of the year.

Suns 105, Nuggets 102

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
2:30 p.m ET on ABC
American Airlines Center, Dallas
    
The Mavs have won eight of their last 10  games and are currently the 3rd seed in the heavily stacked Western Conference. The Wolves, on the other hand, were projected to be one of the top teams in the league prior to the game but that hasn't panned out. Recently, they've found their groove and have been winning games in dominant fashion. The Mavs have a hunger ever since they lost in the finals last season and it shows in their play. This game is a true testament to the Wolves and whether they are ready to take that next leap to be in true finals contention. The Mavs, on the other hand, are ready to make a finals run and have been playing very well and have had great wins so far this season.

Mavs 102, Wolves 98

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
8 p.m. ET on ABC
Chase Center, San Francisco

Although the Lakers have a 2-5 record in their last seven games, their season can't be dismissed just yet. The Warriors will test the Lakers’ ability to guard the perimeter shot. Golden State has a lethal three-point shooting backcourt featuring Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield. two of the league's most premier shooters. Currently, both teams haven't been doing so well since their respective hot starts to the season. However, for the Lakers to win this game it will take true grit and grind given that their ability as a team to guard the 3-point shot is horrendous. Recently both teams have been playing well leading up to their coveted game. Whoever wins this game will be an indicator on how they'll stack up against other teams in the league. 

Lakers 110, Warriors 103