Every year NBA fans get up and ready for Christmas Day games. It’s one of the only days around the league where basketball is on all day. It brings people together and some of the best match-ups get paired up on December 25. What can we expect from the games?
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks: I wasn’t surprised when I saw the Knicks have yet another Christmas day game, because Christmas at the Garden is something special every year. For 76ers fans, you guys finally got one! This game should be a good one, but I have the 76ers taking the dub at the Garden. Joel Embiid will be the deciding factor over Porzingis, while guys like Covington, Saric, and Simmons will step up big on the 25th. Philadelphia’s bench has much more depth than New York’s, and they’ll look to use that to their advantage tomorrow.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors: Another finals rematch and probably the game everyone is looking forward to seeing tomorrow. Seeing as how Kyrie Irving was the reason for the victory last year, I have a suspicion that Cleveland will look to LeBron to finish things when the game becomes close at the end. Can the land contain the perimeter against Golden State? I believe they can, and that’s why I’m favoring the Cavaliers in this match-up. Cleveland has all the pieces to contain the Warriors, and with guys like Korver and JR Smith to spread the floor, LeBron will open lanes and get those two a lot of shots. The emphasis will be on LeBron tomorrow afternoon, and the only problem they’ll face is Curry, because Jose Calderon won’t be able to keep up. Despite Cleveland’s PG problems, they’re more prepared this year.
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards: This rivalry brewed up last year in the playoffs, and I’m excited to see these two teams battle it out. The Celtics are on a roll, being 27-9, and their chemistry is the biggest reason for their success. Guys know their roles and Boston has always had a blue-collar system. Kyrie Irving has played very well this far into the season. As far as the Wizards are concerned, they have weapons in Otto Porter, Bradley Beal, and Kelly Oubre Jr. The biggest match-up of the day will be between John Wall and Kyrie Irving. Wall will have a big night, but the Celtics will be too much for the Wizards. Tatum and Brown are match-up nightmares, and Horford bringing Gortat out to the perimeter will cause the paint to be wide open. I’m taking the Boston Celtics over the Wizards family!
Houston Rockets Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Seeing this match-up excited me at the beginning of the season, but now it only worries me. I know the Rockets will easily take this dub tomorrow evening. The Thunder are in a huge slump and haven’t been able to reach their full potential. Their persisting line-up problems won’t be resolved overnight. With Chris Paul playing phenomenally this season and with Harden being Harden, the Rockets will be victorious. Good thing Ginobili isn’t in attendance. Am i right?
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers have shown huge potential, but they’ve been all over the place this season, and no one really knows what they’re capable of. Ball could be pass-first, while Kuzma and Ingram could be the main scorers. Maybe. With Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr fighting for a starting position, Los Angeles is all over the place. The Timberwolves have improved drastically from last season, and with Butler, Wiggins, and Towns leading the way, I don’t see them losing tomorrow night. The Timberwolves have an all-star starting five with Teague and Gibson added to the mix, along with Crawford coming off the bench. The line-up poses too many problems for the Lakers. Butler will have at least 25 in the win tomorrow, mark my words.
I was surprised the Spurs aren’t playing on Christmas Day, as they always play at a high-level, but I guess we’ll have to move on without them.
What is your favorite match-up on Christmas Day? Hit me up on twitter @JMan_Persources