Looking Ahead: Christmas Day Hoops
Understandably, LeBron James’ return to Miami will make the Christmas headlines.
With the National Basketball Association idle this Christmas Eve, Betting Sports has decided to take a look ahead at tomorrow’s festive basketball action.
Christmas Day basketball action has become a big deal around the Association, as evidenced by a 12 1/2-hour wall-to-wall schedule and the latest batch of novelty jerseys making its debut.
Here’s a look at what hoops fans have to look forward to tomorrow.
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Washington Wizards at New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY (12:00 p.m. ET)
The New York Knicks have played more Christmas Day games than any other team in the league. The festive veterans will kick-start proceedings tomorrow, hosting the Washington Wizards.
Despite the arrival of new head coach Derek Fisher, it’s been another miserable season in Manhattan. The Knicks have struggled mightily and look destined to miss out on the postseason for the second straight year. Christmas is a time of miracles though and who can tell what a win in this one will lead to?
In stark comparison to the Knicks, Washington is experiencing its best season since the glory days of the ‘70s. Years of mediocre seasons are being rinsed away by stylish and effective basketball in the capital. But will John Wall and Co. leave the Big Apple with a victory?
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Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX (2:30 p.m. ET)
Western Conference heavyweights meet in the first of an ABC doubleheader, with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Once again, the Spurs are quietly going about their business out west. Gregg Popovich’s side isn’t making a whole lot of noise, but it is playing conscientious basketball, something the results show. Thursday’s game will give the side an opportunity for the Spurs to show how good they can be, providing Pop doesn’t rest his aging stars, that is.
Oklahoma City survived the rough seas that came with early season injuries to superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, immediately making waves in the right direction upon the duo’s return. Barring an injury scare to Durant last week, the Thunder has looked good in recent weeks and should relish the opportunity to (partially) avenge last year’s playoff exit.
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL (5:00 p.m. ET)
With the Cleveland Cavaliers meeting the Miami Heat in the second of ABC’s doubleheader, LeBron James’ return to Miami will hog all the Christmas Day headlines, and probably the Boxing Day headlines too.
While the soap opera storyline does warrant some attention, the game itself is important for both sides. Neither has yet to find its groove this season, and neither has looked all that impressive against the league’s top talent. A win for either the Heat or Cavaliers could prove to be a springboard to an improved season.
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Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
United Center, Chicago, IL (8:00 p.m. ET)
The nighttime portion of the schedule begins with the Los Angeles Lakers making the trip to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls.
Like the Knicks, the Lakers have little to be happier about this festive period. New head coach Byron Scott is struggling to bring together a ragtag bunch of ballers. Newcomers Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer are struggling. Rookie sensation Julius Randle is done for the year. And, after passing Michael Jordan for third on the all-time scoring list, Kobe Bryant has little better to do than eye Karl Malone’s 36,928 points.
Chicago meanwhile is looking to establish itself as one of the key players in the Eastern Conference. With so little talent in the conference, Tom Thibodeau’s side should already have done exactly that, but things have started somewhat slow for the Bulls, not least because of the on-going injury threat that accompanies Derrick Rose onto the court every night. Still, the Bulls should be able to get the better of the Lakers in this one. Should.
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Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA (10:30 p.m. ET)
The Christmas Day nightcap comes in the form of a Pacific Division showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.
These two sides met in a memorable Christmas showdown a season ago, with tempers flaring and fists flying. In many ways it was that game – and accompanying melee – that built this into such a fascinating rivalry.
The Clippers will look to get the better of the league’s best team, while the Warriors will look to do what they’ve been doing all season: winning. Expect this one to be a slobberknocker, a barnburner, a must-see affair.
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