The NBA Christmas Day games are back with an exciting lineup of top teams and superstars poised to face off against each other. The festive basketball extravaganza kicks off as the Knicks take on the Bucks, followed by the highly anticipated matchup between the Lakers and their longtime rivals, the Boston Celtics. The excitement continues with compelling matchups including Nuggets vs. Warriors, Suns vs. Mavericks, and Sixers vs. Heat.
With several high-profile clashes scheduled on Christmas Day, let’s take a look at the action heading our way on Monday, December 25, 2023.
Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks – 12:00 PM EST
Bucks Last 10 Games: 8-2
Knicks Last 10 Games: 5-5
Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Foot), Jae Crowder – Out (Groin)
Knicks Injuries: Jericho Sims – Out (Ankle), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 5-0
Kicking off the Christmas Day games, we see Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks visit Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks. For the third time this season, the Knicks take on the Bucks, with the upcoming game marking the second face-off in 3 days with the Bucks emerging victorious 130-111 on Saturday.
Seeking defensive improvements after the previous encounter, where Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton combined for 67 points, the Knicks aim to tighten their defense. In the last matchup, Jalen Brunson impressed with 36 points and 7 assists against the Bucks, while Julius Randle contributed 26 points and 7 rebounds.
The Bucks will be looking to secure the season series after winning the previous two matchups.
Prediction: Bucks def. Knicks 127-120
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets – 2:30 PM EST
Warriors Last 10 Games: 6-4
Nuggets Last 10 Games: 7-3
Warriors Injuries: Andrew Wiggins – Day To Day (Illness), Gary Payton II – Out (Calf)
Nuggets Injuries: Aaron Gordon – Probable (Back), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Probable (Heel), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 4-1
In the second Christmas Day clash, the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets, both riding impressive winning streaks, gear up for their second matchup of the season. The Nuggets emerged victorious in their initial encounter with a 108-105 win on November 8, led by Nikola Jokic’s outstanding performance of 35 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
With the Warriors on a five-game winning streak and the Nuggets securing four consecutive victories, this game promises intense competition. The Nuggets are second in the West in an impressive record of 21-10, while the Warriors enter the top 10 again with a record of 15-14.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are back at their best and they will need to be if they want to have a chance against Nikola Jokic and crew.
Prediction: Nuggets def. Warriors 123-111
Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers – 5:00 PM EST
Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2
Lakers Last 10 Games: 5-5
Celtics Injuries: Lamar Stevens – Day To Day (Illness), Kristaps Porzingis – Day To Day (Ankle), Svi Mykhailuk – Day To Day (Heel), Luke Kornet – Out (Adductor)
Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Ankle), LeBron James – Day To Day (Ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt – Day To Day (Heel), Rui Hachimura – Day To Day (Wrist), Cam Reddish – Day To Day (Groin), Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 4-1
The prime-time blockbuster clash on Christmas Day features the Boston Celtics taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. In this first encounter of the 2023-24 season, the Celtics aim to continue their dominance after winning the last two matchups of the previous season in overtime.
Leading the NBA Eastern Conference with a formidable 22-6 record, the Celtics come off back-to-back wins, including a dominant performance against the LA Clippers.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, currently 9th in the NBA Western Conference at 16-14, struggle post-NBA In-Season Tournament with only two wins in seven games. Both teams face injury challenges, with key players listed as questionable. But expect another big performance from LeBron James who had a 40-point outing to snap the Lakers’ 4-game losing streak.
Prediction: Lakers def. Celtics 118-112
Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat – 8:00 PM EST
76ers Last 10 Games: 8-2
Heat Last 10 Games: 6-4
76ers Injuries: Robert Covington – Day To Day (Knee), Mo Bamba – Day To Day (Illness), Joel Embiid – Out (Ankle), Nicolas Batum – Out (Hamstring)
Heat Injuries: Haywood Highsmith – Day To Day (Illness), Jimmy Butler – Day To Day (Calf), Josh Richardson – Day To Day (Back), Dru Smith – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2
In yet another Christmas Day matchup, the Miami Heat hosts the Philadelphia 76ers at Kaseya Center, featuring a notable absence as Joel Embiid will be sidelined due to a lingering ankle injury. The Heat has historically defended Embiid well, limiting the MVP to an average of 23 points and 11 rebounds in 17 regular-season games against Miami.
The 76ers face challenges without Embiid, holding a 0-3 record in his absence this season, struggling offensively and defensively. Miami, on the other hand, enters the game with momentum, winning three of the last four matchups. With a 17-12 record overall and 8-6 at home, the Heat aims to capitalize, while the Sixers look to overcome Embiid’s absence on the road.
Prediction: Heat def. Sixers 118-103
Dallas Mavericks at Phoneix Suns – 10:30 PM EST
Mavericks Last 10 Games: 6-4
Suns Last 10 Games: 3-7
Mavericks Injuries: Kyrie Irving – Out (Heel), Maxi Kleber – Out (Toe), Dereck Lively – Out (Ankle), Josh Green – Out (Elbow)
Suns Injuries: Yuta Watanabe – Day To Day (Finger), Eric Gordon – Day To Day (Hip), Bradley Beal – Out (Ankle), Damion Lee – Out (Knee), Jusuf Nurkic – Out (Personal), Josh Okogie – Out (Hip)
Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2
In the last Christmas Day clash of the day in the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks (17-12) square off against the Phoenix Suns (14-14) for their first encounter this season.
The Mavericks, leading the Southwest Division and standing sixth in the Western Conference, aim to build on their recent 144-119 victory over the Spurs after overcoming a three-game slide.
However, they face a Suns team currently fifth in the Pacific Division and eleventh in the West, struggling with a 3-7 record in their last 10 games. The Suns look to rebound from a 120-105 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Both teams seek a turnaround in fortune, with the Mavericks boasting a 9-6 road record and the Suns holding a 7-8 home record. As hungry contenders meet, the outcome of this Christmas Day matchup will be crucial for both teams in the competitive Western Conference.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Suns 120-111
