The NBA on Christmas Day is a holiday tradition like no other in sports, with some of the best matchups of the year happening on this special day. As the release of the NBA schedule approaches, it’s the perfect time to predict this year’s slate of Christmas games.
Predicting The NBA’s 2024 Christmas Day Schedule
First up, we have the Nuggets vs. 76ers at 12:00 p.m. EST. This inter-conference matchup features two frequent MVP front-runners and the greatest current-player rivalry. Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid always put on a show, showcasing their unique play styles. Jokic’s basketball IQ and passing skills are unmatched, while Embiid is a dominant interior force and scorer. The guard battle between Jamal Murray and Tyrese Maxey will also be a highlight of this game.
The Thunder and Timberwolves will face off at 2:30 p.m. ET. These two teams are favorites in the Western Conference, with the T-Wolves coming off a conference finals run and OKC having a strong offseason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, two of the most entertaining guards in the league, will lead their teams in this exciting matchup. Expect a high-scoring game with one of these stars having a massive performance.
In another exciting matchup, the Celtics will take on the Knicks. These two historic franchises were the top two seeds last season and are expected to be favorites in the East this upcoming season. The Knicks’ trade for Mikal Bridges and pairing with OG Anunoby is aimed at matching up with the Celtics’ elite wing duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
With OKC’s improvements and Minnesota’s elite defense, the Thunder vs. Timberwolves game promises to be highly exciting. The matchup between Chet Holmgren and Minnesota’s big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert will be a key battle to watch. This game has the potential to develop into a fierce rivalry between two of the league’s biggest stars from small market teams.
Overall, this year’s Christmas lineup features some of the most anticipated matchups in the NBA, promising an exciting day of basketball for fans around the world. Let’s hope that all the stars are healthy and ready to put on a show on this special holiday.
