One of the many great things about Christmas is a full slate of NBA games that begins at 11am Central and stretches throughout the day. We at Hoops Rumors welcome our readers to use this post to comment on all of today’s action.
The games tip off with a showcase of some of the league’s brightest young stars as the Knicks host the Sixers. Philadelphia center Joel Embiid has been medically cleared to play, joining teammate Ben Simmons and New York’s Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina in a look at the NBA’s future.
The spotlight game of the day comes next as the Warriors host the Cavaliers in a rematch of the past three NBA Finals. Both teams come into the contest near the top of their conferences and a fourth straight Finals clash seems likely, if not inevitable. Even though Stephen Curry will be sidelined and Isaiah Thomas isn’t quite ready to return, Cleveland-Golden State games are always special.
The Wizards and Celtics are next in a rematch of their thrilling series in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals. It’s a battle of two of the league’s best point guards as John Wall faces Kyrie Irving in Boston’s first home Christmas Day game in 69 years.
Following that, last year’s top two vote-getters in the MVP race will be on display as Russell Westbrook and the Thunder host James Harden and the Rockets. The addition of Chris Paul has helped Houston post the league’s best record at 25-6. The additions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony were supposed to do the same for Oklahoma City, which may be coming together with four straight wins after a slow start.
The night will end at Staples Center as the Lakers host the Northwest Division-leading Timberwolves. Lonzo Ball will miss the game with a sprained left shoulder, but Rookie of the Year candidate Kyle Kuzma is still worth watching as L.A. faces Jimmy Butler and the new-look Wolves.
The staff of Hoops Rumors extends Merry Christmas wishes to all our readers. Thank you for your loyalty throughout the year and please consider spending part of your holiday with us.
Merry Christmas everybody!
Let’s all make game picks and see who gets a perfect record.
I’m taking 76ers, Warriors, Celtics, Rockets, and T-Wolves
Knicks, Warriors, Wizards, Rockets and Timberwolves is who I’m going with
76ers, Cavs, Celtics, Rockets, Wolves…
Dust and I are 1-0
Scott is 0-1
76ers warriors celtics wolves and rockets
Happy holidays
Lonzo will run out of the players tunnel during the 4th quarter and lead the Lakers to victory. The Christmas miracle.
His dad may not let him play on Christmas,
His dad will play
He didn’t sign his permission slip.
Beaners not happy with the 69 year gap? Look at the bleary-eyed Phil-NY game for the the thrills of noontime basketball.
The GSW-CC game was one long loose ball. GSW at least had an excuse.
The Irving ad was a trip.
The OKC-Houstn game was played at blur pace… either beating GSW would not be much of an upset.