In today’s landscape, schedule releases have become a big deal.
The NBA was the latest league to start leaking out games on days that are considered landmark and for the league Christmas Day is the biggest.
It has long been argued that Christmas Day is the unofficial start of the NBA season because it marks the winding down of the NFL season.
The NBA has a hold on Christmas Day that no other league has so the matchups tend to be full of storylines and this season won’t be any different.
Philadelphia vs. New York
Milwaukee vs. Boston
Memphis vs. Golden State
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas
Phoenix vs. Denver
Philadelphia vs New York
The Sixers are projected to be in the mix for the Eastern Conference title. With James Harden trending to coming into camp in shape, the Sixers were a no-brainer. New York is a little bit more of a risk. The Knicks could have Donovan Mitchell by then or they could simply be the Knicks. Either way, with the game in New York, there will be a buzz even though this will probably be the noon game.
Milwaukee vs. Boston
Assuming Kevin Durant is still in Brooklyn, this match-up could be the marquee one of the day. Last season, the Bucks playoff run was cut short by the injury to Krhis Middleton. Despite that, the Bucks gave the Celtics all they could handle in the playoffs. If both teams are fully healthy, they could be the top two teams in the conference.
Memphis vs. Golden State
Like the Milwaukee-Boston game, this is a rematch from last season’s playoffs. The series was defined by hard fouls and hard feelings. With the Grizzlies thinking they are on the come-up and the Warriors treating them like the annoying younger cousin, this game could have a playoff feel in December.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas
The Lakers were going to be on Christmas Day no matter what but they could be the least deserving team if you’re basing it on projected wins. Los Angeles’ roster is still unsettled and even if LA finds a way to get rid of Russell Westbrook, they are in danger of being nothing more than a play-in team at best. With that being said, the game has two of the most recognizable names in the NBA, LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Phoenix vs. Denver
The Suns give me a Laker feel. I feel like the Suns will take a major step backwards this season which is why a Los Angeles Clippers-Denver Nuggets game would be a lot more entertaining. Again, depending on health, Denver should be a fun team. It will be interesting to see if a healthy Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. can take enough pressure off of Nikola Jokic.
