The holiday tradition of NBA basketball on Christmas Day returns for the 76th time, featuring a full five-game slate of games from dusk till dawn.
Well, this year’s lineup of matchups promises to deliver some action packed games with fans and their favourite superstars in action.
Seven out of the nine players named Kia MVP over the past 15 seasons will be playing on Christmas Day.
The star-studded lineup includes LeBron James of the Lakers, Kevin Durant of the Suns, Stephen Curry of the Warriors, James Harden and Joel Embiid of the 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks, and Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets.
Here’s a breakdown of the Christmas Day matchups:
Bucks vs. Knicks (Noon ET, ESPN): The Knicks aim to break the Bucks’ six-game head-to-head winning streak. Milwaukee swept the Knicks last season, but the Knicks look to turn the tables this season.
Warriors vs. Nuggets (2:30 ET, ABC & ESPN): The Warriors, led by two-time Kia MVP Stephen Curry, defeated the Nuggets in the opening round on their way to their fourth title. However, the Nuggets, with their own two-time Kia MVP Nikola Jokic, won their first NBA championship last season.
Celtics vs. Lakers (5 ET, ABC & ESPN): The Celtics and Lakers renew their historic rivalry on Christmas Day. Both teams are vying to be the first to reach 18 NBA championships. Last season, their games went to overtime, with the Celtics emerging victorious.
76ers vs. Heat (8 ET, ESPN): Last season, the 76ers fell short in the season series against the Heat.
However, this year, with the formidable presence of Joel Embiid, the reigning Kia MVP and two-time scoring champion, the 76ers aim to start off on a strong note.
Can Embiid and his squad turn the tables and secure a victory against their rivals?
Mavericks vs. Suns (10:30 ET, ESPN): The first time Durant and Kyrie Irving met as opponents after their three-plus seasons as teammates delivered a classic overtime matchup between the Mavericks and Suns.
Well, well, well, the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule is packed with thrilling matchups that will undoubtedly provide every basketball fan a day full of excitement and intense competition.
