Ah, the annual bundle of NBA Christmas games. A great time to spend with the family and watch some of the most-anticipated competition of the season. As the last festive lineup of the decade arrives, there is much to look forward to as some of the biggest names in the league face off as the year comes to a close.
Raptors v Celtics (ESPN)
As of right now, both teams are playing great, each being within the top-5 spots in the Eastern Conference. Though both teams do have key injuries on each side, I think the lack of Pascal Siakam (groin) will allow the Celtics to continue riding the hot hand of their 3-game win streak and leave Toronto with a W.
Prediction: Celtics get tough win on the road.
76ers v Bucks (ABC)
Another potential Eastern Conference Final Match-up is on display as the #1 Milwaukee Bucks take on the #5 Philadelphia 76ers. This is a personal favorite because of the challenge that is stopping Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have been hard to slow down especially since the Greek Freak has shown his ability to extend his range. However, this game will truly test the strength of the Bucks depth as they face a contending Philadelphia team. This will be a great battle down low for those who love seeing heavily contested buckets.
Prediction: 76ers take the home field advantage and the win
Warriors v Rockets (ABC)
The injuries and adjustments to this year’s Warriors team makes them quite underwhelming. And as usual, the back court of Russell Westbrook and James Harden wish to make a statement on the team they just can never get by in the playoffs. Since the Warriors are down and out this season, I expect a dominating performance from Houston. You have to make a statement when given such a golden opportunity. And being on Christmas, this is the Rocket’s present as they should take this win in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Rockets win in fashion, Harden and Westbrook drop 30+ each.
Lakers v Clippers (ESPN)
It has been recently announced that LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be playing this Christmas together for the first time as teammates. Not only does this make for the game of the week, but this will be the first time the two revamped Los Angeles teams face each other this season. With all due respect to the baller that is Montrezl Harrell, I see the trio of Centers (Davis, McGee and Howard) dominating the paint. The Klaw, PG-13 and company versus The King, The Brow and their squad. This is the match-up sports fans live for. L.A. fan or not, this will be the game to watch.
Prediction: Lakers’ big men shine in a roller coaster of a game.
Nuggets v Pelicans
Everyone was excited to see Zion play this Christmas, but unfortunately due to injury the opportunity must bee pushed to next season. The #2 seed Denver Nuggets will face the second-to-last New Orleans Pelicans to cap off the last Christmas game of the decade. I expect Nikola “The Joker” Jokić to pull from his bag of tricks and have a fun Christmas win, despite the Most Improved Player campaign that Brandon Ingram is displaying.
Prediction: Nuggets win with ease and we see some more crazy Jokić passes.
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