We’re simply a few days away from the 2023 NBA Christmas Day. The custom states that you will need to keep in entrance of your TV for hours, consuming leftovers, napping once in a while, and watching a full slate of top-notch NBA motion, and this 12 months gained’t be the exception to that rule. With that in thoughts, let’s check out the schedule and storylines for the upcoming version.
Bucks vs Knicks: ‘Freak Time’ visits the Mecca
Our NBA Xmas Day schedule begins with what may look like the ‘weakest’ recreation of the slate, however that’s not the case in any respect. We’ll get a glimpse of Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, and Julius Randle trying to show that they’ll maintain their very own towards the top-notch duo within the Jap Convention.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo proceed to place up elite numbers, though their staff has type of struggled this season, particularly defensively. There’s no higher time to show issues round than Christmas and no higher place to do it than the legendary Madison Sq. Backyard.
Warriors vs Nuggets: The champs make an announcement
The Golden State Warriors have struggled mightily this season. Additionally, the truth that Draymond Green is probably going going to be suspended for his recreation type of waters it down, however Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson tend to go berserk below the brightest lights.
The reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets proceed to be ignored, however they’re nonetheless the staff to beat within the Western Convention. We anticipate them to profit from this nationally-televised recreation to remind everyone why they’re the reigning champs.
Celtics vs Lakers: A unending rivalry
Two of the greatest small forwards in NBA history will sq. off for one more version of the NBA’s most heated rivalry. Jayson Tatum has already taken one other step ahead in his improvement and is taking part in at an MVP-caliber stage for the league-leading Boston Celtics.
However LeBron James retains making historical past each single time he units foot on the court docket, and we’ve already seen him thrive in Christmas video games method too many occasions. The Los Angeles Lakers are nowhere close to the Celtics proper now, however rivalry video games are all the time a toss-up, particularly on Christmas.
76ers vs Warmth: A conflict in types
The Miami Warmth are recent off a visit to the NBA Finals, however they don’t seem like that type of staff anymore. Even so, Erik Spoelstra, Jimmy Butler, and their staff know methods to take a significant leap ahead when want be, and you may by no means depend them out towards anyone, not even towards championship contenders.
Even so, they’re going to have a tricky time maintaining with the Philadelphia 76ers’ scoring prowess, particularly in the event that they don’t have Bam Adebayo on the market attempting to bruise and gradual Joel Embiid down. The Sixers are a tier above them proper now, and they might like to have an opportunity to show that on nationwide tv.
Mavericks vs Suns: Doncic and Booker meet once more
The Dallas Mavericks may not have Kyrie Irving for this recreation as he continues to nurse a foot harm, however that gained’t make it any much less thrilling, as Luka Doncic continues to put up video game-like numbers in his absence, and Jason Kidd‘s staff can put up factors like the very best of them.
The Phoenix Suns might need Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, however they’ve been pretty disappointing to begin the season. On prime of that, Doncic has proven that he is aware of methods to get into Booker’s head, and that might be essential for one more version of their brewing rivalry.
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