The NBA on Christmas Day is a holiday tradition like no other in sports. Each year some of the best matchups and most anticipated of the year happen on Christmas Day. With the release of the NBA schedule likely right around the corner now feels like the perfect time to predict this year’s slate of Christmas games.
Predicting The NBA’s 2024 Christmas Day Schedule
Nuggets vs. 76ers: 12:00 p.m. EST
There’s typically at least one inter-conference matchup on Christmas Day. What could be better than the two frequent MVP front-runners and the greatest current-player rivalry? Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid games are always noteworthy and exciting. The two elite centers have vastly different play styles adding to the intrigue. Jokic’s all-around impact is unmatched with his basketball IQ and passing being his most unique skill set. In contrast, Embiid is a dominant interior force and an unstoppable scorer.
It would be interesting to see Embiid take on Jokic with his improved squad and the addition of Paul George. Furthermore, the guard battle between Jamal Murray and Tyrese Maxey would be highly entertaining. This matchup has all the elements of a great Christmas Day game. Let’s just hope both Jokic and Embiid play.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves: 2:30 p.m. ET
The Thunder and Timberwolves are the two favorites in the Western Conference. The T-Wolves are coming off a conference finals run while OKC the reigning top seed had one of the league’s best offseasons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards are two of the most entertaining guards. Shai and Edwards are two of the most gifted scorers in the league on a premier Christmas Day game at least one of these stars would have a massive game.
With OKC’s improvements and Minnesota’s elite defense, this game would be highly exciting. As would, the matchup between Chet Holmgren and Minnesota’s big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. While this hasn’t been a playoff matchup yet this would be a great chance for the NBA to develop a rivalry with two of the league’s biggest stars. The parallel between two small market teams led by a gifted young star is also intriguing.
Knicks vs. Celtics: 5:00 p.m. ET
The Celtics and Knicks are two of the NBA’s most historic franchises. They were also the top two seeds last season and the favorites in the East this upcoming season. Making this a perfect Christmas Day matchup. Clearly, the Knicks’ trade for Mikal Bridges and wing pairing with OG Anunoby is to match up with the champs‘ elite wing duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Seeing this play out along with both team’s elite all-around balance would be very compelling. Watching the Celtics’ elite perimeter defenders Jrue Holiday and Derrick White go against one of the league’s most prolific scorers Jalen Brunson would also be intriguing. Ultimately this will be one of the premier matchups of the year making it perfect for a primetime Christmas slot.
Spurs vs. Lakers 8:00 p.m. ET
As one of the league’s most iconic franchises and with LeBron James the Lakers will of course get a Christmas game. Many draw parallels between LeBron and Victor Wembanyama due to their upside and hype as prospects so seeing them face off on Christmas Day would be perfect. This matchup would notably feature two of the league’s best defenders Wemby and Anthony Davis.
With the Spurs’ offseason additions including Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes, and fourth overall pick Stephon Castle along with Wemby’s development the team is projected to improve a ton. As a result, this would be a highly competitive matchup. Seeing LeBron go against his old friend CP3 would also be a fun storyline. Overall the matchup between two different generational talents could be too much for the league to pass up on.
Mavericks vs. Warriors 10:30 p.m. ET
Steph Curry is still one of the NBA’s biggest stars and certainly deserves a Christmas Day game. Watching him going head-to-head with his former splash brother Klay Thompson would be a perfect matchup, especially if it’s Klay’s first game back in Golden State. A Luka Doncic-Curry matchup would be incredibly entertaining.
While the Warriors aren’t a contender unless they make a big trade they are still one of the most exciting teams to watch and can be competitive on any given night. This game would give us plenty of offensive fireworks and elite shooting. Additionally, Curry has had some classic Christmas Day matchups with Kyrie Irving. Ultimately this would be a perfect late-night matchup. If it happened it could end up being the most exciting game of the slate.
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