The NBA’s annual Christmas games have become as much a holiday staple as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Here’s the schedule and overview of the five NBA games taking place on Christmas.
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors
Wednesday Dec. 25 at 12 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Thursday Dec. 25 at at 2:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
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Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors
Wednesday Dec. 25 at 5:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Wednesday Dec. 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC/ESPN
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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets
Wednesday Dec. 25 at 10:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
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The Celtics and Raptors were originally predicted to be ranked lower, however, both teams have emerged as formidable competitors this season. But injuries are plaguing the Raptors with Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol not expected to play on Christmas. Nonetheless, point guards Kemba Walker and Kyle Lowry are likely to keep the game interesting as they go head to head.
The Bucks and the Sixers were expected to be the top two teams coming out of the East this year, however, the Sixers have been pushed to the back as the Celtics, Heat and Raptors have dominated. Still, the game is expected to be high-wattage as the Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks and Joel Embiid has proven to be an asset during big games.
The Warriors have been plagued by a series of game-changing injuries since last season and are currently holding the worst record in NBA, CBS Sports reported. However, between James Harden leading the Warriors and Russell Westbrook leading the Rockets, the game is still expected to be worthwhile. Though they haven’t been winning much, Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell have made the Warriors a somewhat competitive team.
The Lakers and Clippers are still expected to be the two teams duking it out at the Western Conference. For fans, however, the major concern may be the Lakers’ recent injury streak, which caused both LeBron James and Anthony Davis to miss a game in the past week. If neither player is able to participate, the entire game loses its appeal. However, if they are able to play, the game becomes a must-watch as they go up against Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the rest of the Clippers.
Zion Williamson, the Pelicans’ rookie sensation, was supposed to be the one to watch for this game against the Denver Nuggets. However, since he sustained a knee injury, the 19-year-old hasn’t been able to play during the season, subsequently making this game the least exciting, according to CBS Sports.
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