The Unofficial Start to the NBA Season – Christmas Day Lineup
For some, Christmas Day is the official start of the NBA season.
This year the league will have to suffer with their decision making when it comes to giving Golden State and New Orleans the privilege of playing on Christmas Day.
Boston Celtics (20-7) at Toronto Raptors (21-9) – Noon ESPN
The Celtics have more chemistry without Kyrie Irving but what is being underappreciated is how they’ve made up for the loss of Al Horford.
Grade: B+
Toronto falls in the same category. In their heart of hearts they had to know that Kawhi Leonard wasn’t returning. Doesn’t matter. The culture in Toronto has won out.
Grade: B+
Milwaukee Bucks (27-4) at Philadelphia 76ers (22-10) – 2:30 ABC
Milwaukee hasn’t disappointed at all. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still in the works of expanding his game to the three-point line. Right now, Antetokounmpo is shooting a 34.2% from the three-point line.
Grade: A-
The 76ers are lacking something. Whether the record shows it or not, they miss Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick. The lovable “Trust the Process” days are over. They need to go deep in the playoffs if not all the way to the NBA Finals.
Grade: C
Houston Rockets (21-9) at Golden State Warriors (7-24) – 5:00 ABC
James Harden and Russell Westbrook look like they are starting to develop some chemistry. They are starting to rack up wins but there is still that three game losing streak against three teams that look like they’ll make the playoffs, that leaves some questions.
Grade: B
Golden State is taking the place of the New York Knicks who stayed being the most disappointing team on Christmas Day. Yes, the league couldn’t see the Steph Curry but they knew Kevin Durant was gone and Klay Thompson wouldn’t be back.
Grade: F
Los Angeles Clippers (22-10) at Los Angeles Lakers (24-6) – 8:00 ABC
Arguably the two best teams in the west. I thought the NBA made a mistake scheduling them to play on opening night. The hype train would be off the charts if this game was their first meeting of the season.
Both teams will be coming off loses. The Clippers blew a big lead at Oklahoma City while the Lakers lost to Denver.
Lakers/Clippers Grade: A
New Orleans Pelicans (8-23) vs Denver Nuggets (21-8) – 10:30 ESPN
The thought was the Pelicans would have Zion Williamson for this showcase game. Even without him, the Pelicans record should be better. One have to wonder if head coach Alvin Gentry be around after this season.
Grade: D
Welcome to the world of expectations, Denver. The Nuggets have had a solid start to this season without the fanfare that came with last seasons success. There is a certain level of maturity with this team and it showed up in the win over the LeBron Jame-less Lakers.
Grade: B+
