The NBA hosting games on Christmas Day has become synonymous with the NFL playing games on Thanksgiving. But, the one wrinkle that the NBA has that makes the games more compelling than what the NFL offers is that there are no fixed opponents.
While NFL fans have to watch the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions every Thanksgiving, the NBA offers different matchups every season. They take this as an opportunity to highlight their biggest stars and best teams in prime spots.
This year there will be plenty of the same. Alas, the spike in positive COVID-19 tests and injuries will knock some of the biggest stars out of their games. Trae Young, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic are some of the stars that may not appearing in their scheduled Christmas Day games.
The NBA is holding out hope that all of the teams will be able to play during their scheduled times and have enough eligible players. The Atlanta Hawks will be facing the New York Knicks, kicking off the five-game slate at Madison Square Garden.
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In the second game, the Boston Celtics are traveling to take on the defending champion, Milwaukee Bucks. In the third game, the Golden State Warriors are traveling to take on the Phoenix Suns in what is the marquee matchup of the day.
The Brooklyn Nets are traveling to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth game, the same time slot Los Angeles has been in since LeBron James signed with the team. In the nightcap, the Dallas Mavericks will be traveling to take on the Utah Jazz.
It should be a great day of basketball with five games showcasing some great teams, budding rivalries and top-end talent despite some of the absences. Let’s take a look at some of the storylines, keys to games and team’s histories on Christmas Day.
