As usual, the NBA is going to own the attention of the sports world this Christmas. With the NBA schedule being recently released, we know what five matchups will make up the league’s usual Christmas Day quintuple header. Not only will there be five intriguing matchups with fascinating storylines to keep fans entertained, but there are also five opportunities to bet on NBA games on Christmas Day. Since betting isn’t legal in every state, fans should check ahead of time to make sure they live in one of the legal sports betting states. But even if they don’t, here are the storylines to follow during the NBA’s Christmas schedule.
Bucks vs Knicks
Typically, Madison Square Garden is the site of the first NBA game on Christmas Day. That’s going to be the case again this year as well. With the Knicks making big strides last year by reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the fanbase should be extra excited about a game on Christmas. With arguably the league’s biggest superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo coming to New York that day, the NBA is definitely starting its Christmas schedule on a high.
Warriors vs Nuggets
This game features the last two NBA champions, which is no doubt a big reason why the NBA included it on the Christmas Day schedule. During the 2022 playoffs, the Warriors bounced the Nuggets in five games during the First Round. While they didn’t meet in the playoffs last year the Warriors and Nuggets could meet in this postseason in 2024, making this a potential playoff preview. The contrasting styles of these teams will also make for a great matchup. With Denver, everything goes through Nikola Jokić whereas the Warriors are still reliant on Steph Curry.
Celtics vs Lakers
Is there ever a bad time for the Celtics and Lakers to cross paths? This is one of the most historic rivalries in league history, so putting it on Christmas Day is a no-brainer for the league. Obviously, it helps to put LeBron James in the spotlight in what could be one of his last seasons in the league. The Lakers will also be going up against the Celtics, a powerhouse from the Eastern Conference that’s expected to compete for the 2024 NBA title.
76ers vs Heat
After the Heat made an incredible run to the NBA Finals as the no. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference last year, they deserve a spotlight game on Christmas. By putting them on the Christmas Day schedule, the NBA is betting that Miami’s playoff run last spring is a sign of things to come. Meanwhile, the 76ers are a walking soap opera, so there will surely be storylines to follow in Philly by Christmas Day. Will James Harden be playing for the 76ers or will he get the trade he wants? With or without Harden, can Joel Embiid maintain his MVP form from last season? Either way, there will be a lot to talk about with this game.
Mavericks vs Suns
Fans shouldn’t be sleeping on the nightcap between the Mavericks and Suns. The Mavs are always fascinating to watch with Luka Dončić, but adding Kyrie Irving to the mix makes this must-watch TV. On the other side, Kevin Durant now playing with the Suns makes them a team to watch closely. Drama always seems to follow Durant while the fact that he’s now teaming up with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal gives Phoenix one of the most star-studded rosters in the league, making them a perfect team to grab the spotlight on Christmas.
