This Christmas Day there will be two feasts in most households, food and basketball. NBA Christmas Day basketball has been a tradition for many years now. This year on the 25th there will be five top class games in the NBA. While there have always been great games on Christmas day, this year’s set of games has the potential to top previous NBA Christmas Day specials.
Game 1 – Washington Wizards @ New York Knicks
The opening of the NBA on Christmas Day features a game between the Knicks and the Wizards. This game features John Wall who is in amazing MVP-like form. Meanwhile the Knicks could be without star player Carmelo Anthony, and could really struggle in this game as they have done all season. The Wizards who have impressed me so far this season and should have the upper hand purely down to the quality of players on their roster. If John Wall and company perform to their usual standard they should literally blow the Knicks away. While most are picking the Wizards to win this game, but there is one force of nature that could turn this game around, and that player is Carmelo Anthony. If fully fit Anthony can turn a game on its head with a monstrous performance and that could make him the star on top of the NBA Christmas tree this Thursday.
Game 2 – Oklahoma City Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs
The second game of the day features the defending NBA Champion Spurs hosting the Thunder, and the quality of games goes up a notch. Its a rematch of last year’s west final, and the Spurs will be favorites to win this again. Oklahoma City could cause an upset in this one as the re-emergence of the deadly duo, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook has helped the team hit their stride. In the last seven days the Spurs have had to play through two overtime games, and were not just talking two sessions of overtime, but five whole sessions against two good teams. The Spurs may be a little tired and may be forced to rest the likes of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli, and this could work in the Thunder’s favour. I see the Spurs outlasting the Thunder down the stretch, as Kevin Durant has been struggling with injury in the last few games. The Spurs and their great ball movement should prove to be too much for the Thunder.
Game 3 – Cleveland Cavaliers @ Miami Heat
This is the game that everyone will be watching, as we see Lebron James go back to Miami for the first time. I’m sure this will draw in a huge TV audience. There’s nothing like a little controversy on Christmas Day, especially when it’s provided by the King himself. The Heat have reportedly prepared a tribute video for Lebron James, but many are unsure what sort of reception he will receive. There is of course a game to be played, and I expect this one to be a cracker, and also the best of the day. The Heat will have extra motivation to win, as they will want prove they can beat the man that made them truly great. I see this being a close game but at the end of the day I see Cleveland proving too strong for the in transition Miami Heat. It will not prove to be an easy task, so Cavaliers fans prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.
Game 4 – LA Lakers @ Chicago Bulls
I’m a Lakers fan and I’m not looking forward to the result of this game. I love my Lakers but the Bulls will prove the far superior team in this game. They have everything a team needs, teamwork, size, speed and best of all a great coach. The Lakers will show fight in this one but I fear that like on a lot of occasions this season, a good team in the Bulls will get the win. The key to victory will be the play of guard Jimmy Butler and former Laker big man Pau Gasol. Both have played great basketball this season, and I don’t expect it to end anytime soon. Kobe Bryant will most likely be the shining light for the Lakers in this one, just like he has been for the Lakers all season long. Hopefully we will see a good performance from Derrick Rose. This is yet another opportunity for him to prove the haters wrong, especially on such a big stage.
Game 5 – Golden State Warriors @ LA Clippers
The final game on Christmas day is a battle between the Splash Brothers and Lob City. Its a great matchup that I here in the UK will be staying up late for, as two of the most entertaining teams in the league come together. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are both sure to show up as they have done all season long. They have led the Warriors to a franchise best ever start this season. As for the Clippers, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will be looking to quiet to noise coming from Golden State in the early stages of this NBA season. This will be a great one, a spectacle for the millions to enjoy not just in America, but all around the world. I personally cannot wait for this game and for all of the NBA on Christmas day, and I know I’m not the only one either.
Finally there is only one thing left to add, I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
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