For NBA fans, August can be slow and painful. The draft has happened, summer league is over, the glitz and glam of the ESPYs has simmered down (unless you’re Draymond Green and Tristan Thompson)….so now what? For those not watching football or the WNBA, refreshing NBA Twitter or Instagram feeds to see workout videos, yacht snap stories, and family vacations pictures becomes the pastime. But luckily, the NBA threw us a bone to stir up some anticipation for the upcoming season- the Christmas Day schedule is here!!!
NBA games on Christmas Day began in 1947 with the New York Knicks taking home the first ever win on the festive holiday. 20 years later, the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Diego Rockets met during the first nationally televised Christmas Day game on December 25, 1967. Fast forward 51 years, and basketball fans are still chomping at the bit to see which teams will be on the big stage in December. Here are the match-ups for 2018 Christmas Day and reasons to plan to watch:
Milwaukee Bucks @ New York Knicks
- The Bucks haven’t played on Xmas since 1977, which will have both fans and players electrified to prove they should be on the big stage more frequently
- There is some uncertainty in MIL- Outside of Giannis where else does their offense come from, who else can consistently create plays?
- The Knicks obviously don’t have Melo (who averages about 30 ppg on Xmas!), won’t have Noah to bolster the defense, and will be warming up new coach David Fizdale, in addition to Porzingis coming off an injury
- the power of the Garden crowd is always a plus, however
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Houston Rockets
- On Xmas last year with the Thunder, Melo had 27 points (9 of 24)
- Addition by Subtraction: OKC has one less thing to worry about- can Russ & PG find a way to connect on the court as they have been off the court? Melo was a defensive liability and they gave him minutes they can now give someone more productive
- Houston has lost Trevor Ariza who was a defensive genius, and gained Carmelo who is still a defensive liability
- Houston has something to prove- that they are still a threat
Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics
- the return of the injured players on the Celtics roster (Gordon Hayward & Kyrie Irving) will make it more difficult for Philly to put them away
- Joel Embiid trolling fans and players online during the last regular season and offseason will induce the need for revenge
- electrifying rookies and sophomores on both sides will probably make this game one of the most anticipated and most viewed of the day
- a budding rivalry? Boston was second in the East during regular season, while Philly was third
Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors
- First time LeBron and Steph Curry meet while both are in the same conference (though they’ve met on this day for the last 3 years)
- JaVale vs his old team, his buddy Nick Young will enjoy playing against him almost assuredly
- The Lakers don’t have home court advantage, although Lakers fans have been known to travel exceptionally well and know how to infiltrate and agitate just about any crowd
- If the Warriors hit a run in Roaracle and the fans back them up, things could go downhill fast for LA
Portland Trailblazers @ Utah Jazz
- Utah was a second rounder in the playoffs and people want to see them win- ranked 5th in local TV ratings last year in the league as a whole
- More reason to watch? Gobert swatting everything, Grayson Allen’s rookie year will have plenty hype, both good AND bad
- Jazz haven’t played on Xmas since 1997, Blazers since 2010; that drought for both teams isn’t reflective of their recent progress and status as solid Western conference playoff contenders
- Lillard will surely have interesting Christmas day kicks being the pride of Adidas footwear.
Who was snubbed of the spotlight that we expected to see? Kawhi v the Spurs is something we all thought we would witness, but apparently the Raps still can’t catch a break even after LeBron’s departure from the East. KD vs. Russ is always entertaining and although we won’t get it Christmas Day, there are bound to be sparks when we do. The iconic Celtics/Lakers duel never fails to boost ratings because of the storied rivalry. Watching John Wall and Dwight Howard try to figure out how to play together on a holiday might also have been highly entertaining.
Each home team on Christmas day has an exceptional fan base, so this is sure to be something to look forward to for all NBA fans. 49 days until preseason, hang in there!
