The 2024 Paris Olympics may be wrapping up, but NBA fans already have another event to look forward to the annual Christmas Day games. As usual, the NBA has selected five marquee matchups to entertain fans during the holiday season. With the likes of reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, and a slew of other stars, the Christmas Day slate is packed with intriguing games. But which ones should you be most excited for? Here’s a ranking of the five games, from most to least anticipated.
5. Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors
It’s a testament to how stacked this year’s Christmas schedule is when a LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry matchup ranks last. These two legends have defined an era of NBA basketball, meeting in the Finals four times. However, this year’s Lakers and Warriors are far from their former dominance. Both teams are hovering around Play-In territory, and with their core players well into their 30s, the likelihood of injuries looms large. Without a significant narrative, like Klay Thompson returning to the Bay Area in a Lakers uniform (he’s now with the Mavericks), this matchup just doesn’t have the same allure. It’s a classic battle that has lost some of its lustre as both teams are not in serious championship contention this season.
4. San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
Victor Wembanyama’s first Christmas Day game at Madison Square Garden is undoubtedly exciting. His last encounter with the Knicks saw him post a monstrous 40-point, 20-rebound game, and the possibility of him delivering another signature performance at the historic venue is enough to tune in. However, the rest of the Spurs’ roster doesn’t match up well against the Knicks, who are solid contenders this season. While the Wembanyama factor is compelling, the overall competitive imbalance between the two teams drops this game a bit in the rankings.
3. Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns
This game promises fireworks. The Nuggets and Suns have playoff history and a bit of bad blood, making this a must-watch. Their Christmas Day matchup in 2022 was an overtime thriller, and this year could be more of the same. Neither team is particularly equipped to defend the other’s stars—Nikola Jokic for Denver and the trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal for Phoenix. Expect an up-tempo, high-scoring affair where defense takes a back seat to dazzling offense.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks
The Timberwolves and Mavericks gave us a thrilling Western Conference Finals last season, with four of the five games being decided by single digits. Anthony Edwards is coming off an Olympic run that might elevate his game to new heights, making this matchup with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving all the more intriguing. Minnesota has struggled to match up with Dallas in the past, but the Timberwolves are improving, and this game could be another closely contested battle that comes down to the wire.
1. Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
This is the crown jewel of the Christmas Day slate. The Celtics, fresh off a championship, face off against the 76ers, who had one of the best offseasons. The rivalry between these two teams runs deep, with Boston having knocked Philadelphia out of the playoffs multiple times in recent years. Joel Embiid will be looking to exact some revenge against a team that has been his postseason kryptonite. Add in the historical sports rivalry between the cities of Boston and Philadelphia, and you have all the ingredients for a Christmas classic. This game could very well be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, making it the must-watch game of the day.
Conclusion:
The NBA’s 2024 Christmas Day games are packed with intriguing matchups, but the showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics stands out as the most compelling. While LeBron vs. Curry remains a historic rivalry, the current state of their teams makes it the least exciting of the bunch. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling offense, budding superstars, or deep-seated rivalries, this year’s Christmas slate has something for everyone.
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