Taking a Look Ahead: NBA Christmas Day Games

Even though its the middle of August, the 2002-23 NBA schedule release is already making headlines as anticipation is growing for the upcoming season. A few of every years most anticipated games are already in discussion following the live schedule drop at 3pm August 17th. Amongst these are the 5 games that the NBA has scheduled for Christmas Day. The NBA never fails to feature some of the leagues best teams and brightest stars on Christmas Day.

Lakers vs Mavs

Like we said, the NBA never fails to show off its biggest stars on Christmas Day, and this game is a perfect example of that. With a cast that includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic, it will be hard to keep your eyes off the screen for this one. We all know LeBron loves to shine on the biggest stages. Christmas Day is no different as the King averages 25 points 8 rebounds and 6 assists through 14 Christmas Day games in his career. LeBron was just 18 years of age in his first Christmas game, where he put on a show against the Orlando Magic on his way to an impressive 34 points in a Cleveland loss. Not to say we are going to have the pleasure of watching a 18 year old LeBron again this year, but we will see what he is able to do in fifteenth Christmas game.

Luka is no different from LeBron with regards to performances on the big stage. He averages the most playoff points of all time, but he was unable to play in last year's Christmas game the Mavs had against the Utah Jazz. The year before, however, the Mavs did faceoff with the Lakers and Luka impressed with 27 points and 7 assists in a Mavs loss. Luka vs LeBron on Christmas is a great headline for the NBA and these stars will impress.

This is definitely an early Christmas present to NBA fans with this news, and for Mavs fans especially, as this will be their first game on their home court since the 2011 season, when they hosted a LeBron led team as well, in the Miami Heat. Things in Dallas are much different now, and we can not wait to see Luka go head-to-head with LeBron on Christmas Day.

Nuggets vs Suns

Again, the stars are out for this heavyweight Western Conference Christmas Day showdown in the desert. In a game that features some of the league's best offensive talents, it also includes two of the leagues best coaches. Suns Head Coach, and reigning Coach of the Year, Monty Williams will be behind the bench on Christmas Day, as well as Mike Malone for the Nuggets. Fans are truly in for a special game.

Back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic is finally reuniting with team mate Jamal Murray after an ACL tear has kept him out for what has felt like longer then two years. On the other side of the ball, they will see one of the league's most talented back courts in Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Newly re-signed big man, Deandre Ayton, will also be in action on Christmas Day, adding another element to what will be a great showing of offence, and bucket getting on all levels.

This matchup very well could feature two of the Western Conferences best teams this season, and a finals contender, in the Nuggets. If Denver can get, and stay healthy, then they have a very legitimate chance of being a dangerous title contender. With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. hopefully returning to full health, alongside the talents of the two-time MVP, there really is no limit to how far the Nuggets can go. As for the Suns, following their playoff disaster last year led by yet another let down, and choke by Chris Paul, they should again be up with the better teams in the Western Conference. No matter, with these two teams competing on Christmas Day, we will truly get to see some of the leagues best talents on display this holiday.

Grizzlies vs Warriors

The game everyone wanted. Or at least, the game Draymond Green, Ja Morant, and NBA twitter most certainly wanted. The NBA is full of drama, and this game will put this on display. The Warriors knocked the Grizzlies out of the playoffs in six games, and the young Grizz were not quick to forget. Ja Morant and other members of the team took to twitter and social media throughout the playoffs and during the off season with comments about the Warriors. But what really makes this game so entertaining is what the two teams bring on the court. Headlined by Steph Curry and Ja Morant, if this game is anything similar to their second round playoff matchup, or previously their play in game spout, then this has potential to be the best game of the day.

These two teams have faced off in elimination scenarios for the past two seasons. During the play-in game two years ago, Ja got the best of Steph, and the Grizzlies knocked an unhealthy Warriors team out of playoff contention. Again this past season during the playoffs, the Warriors came out on top over the young, hungry Grizz, enroute to their title.

It certainly seems that the NBA is trying to push this rivalry by including this game on the play in game slate. It will be interesting to see if the two will face off in the playoffs again this year. There are storylines and side stories all over the place with this match up, both on and off the court, and fans can not wait to see these two great teams battle it out again, this time on Christmas Day.

Bucks vs Celtics

In what has emerged as one of the best rivalries in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks are visiting the TD Garden on Christmas Day to play the Celtics. This is a rematch of their tough seven game playoff series last year in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This matchup has the potential to be the best game on Christmas as we see two of the top championship contenders in the league go head to head. Between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum, both squads have enough star-power to guarantee a Christmas Day thriller.

During their playoff series last season, the Bucks were missing All-Star Khris Middleton, and still took the Celtics to 7 games. Giannis averaged 33.9 points,14.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.1 blocks over those 7 games. The 7.1 assists Giannis was able to manage against, what was a very tough Celtics defence during the playoffs, is what sticks out the most in his extremely impressive stat line. Expect the Celtics to have a very aggressive game plan for defending Giannis come Christmas.

Sixers vs Knicks

Let’s just get it out of the way, of course the Knicks have a Christmas Day game. The way each roster currently stands, this game is probably the least entertaining matchup on the Christmas Day slate. However, with recent rumours surrounding Kevin Durant and James Harden potentially teaming up again, paired with the constant chatter connecting Donovan Mitchell with the Knicks, we never know what this matchup could look like come Christmas Day.

We do know for a fact that Joel Embiid will be in action and this is his first opportunity to shine on Christmas Day since 2019. Embiid has the ability to put on an MVP-caliber performance on any given night. The pairing of Embiid and Harden has been tough for the Knicks to handle. Last season, Embiid combined for 64 points against the Knicks in Harden’s first week with the team. With the right matchup against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, expect a big performance from Embiid and the 76ers.

On the other side of the ball, this will be a good test for the Knicks. After multiple offseason moves, highlighted by the signing of free agent Jalen Brunson to a 4 year $104 million contract, the Knicks are hoping to be in playoff contention this season. This Christmas Day game is a good opportunity for Brunson to propel the Knicks to a big win against a critical opponent.

By: Anthony Ametrano and Matteo Ametrano