The NBA schedulers did a nice job this year – there are five games slated for Christmas Day that include nine good teams…and the Washington Wizards.
Well, they can’t all be winners.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the NBA action, starting with the one everyone wants to see…
MUST-WATCH
Celtics @ Lakers, 5:00 PM ET (ABC)
This “Game of the Year” might be better described as the “Game of the Season,” but let’s not get bogged down in semantics. The Celtics (27-2) bring their 19-game winning streak to Los Angeles, where the Lakers (23-5) are returning from a disappointing 2-2 road trip that featured losses to the Heat and the Magic. Will the Celtics miss James Posey? Will Andrew Bynum make the difference down low? Both teams feel that this is a statement game, so expect a playoff-type atmosphere at Staples Center.
NEXT BEST
Spurs @ Suns, 2:30 PM ET (ABC)
These two teams gave us the most exciting first round series last spring and there’s a bit of a rivalry brewing. I think the Suns took a step back with the Shaq trade, and Steve Nash is grumbling about his role in the offense, so it will be interesting to see if the Spurs can get a win in Phoenix.
IF YOU HAVE THE TIME
Hornets @ Magic, 12:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Chris Paul is the league’s best point guard and Dwight Howard is one of the league’s best centers. It might be worthwhile to tune into this one at about 1:30 ET and see if it’s close.
Mavericks @ Blazers, 10:30 PM ET (TNT)
If the Mavs still had Devin Harris, this one would be a lot more fun. The Blazers and Mavs are currently in the 6/7 positions in the Western Conference playoff race, so this one is important in terms of pecking order. Keep an eye on the up-and-coming Brandon Roy, who just dropped 52 points on the Suns a week ago (and is averaging 25.5 points per game in December).
HEY, AT LEAST THERE’S LEBRON
Wizards @ Cavaliers, 8:00 PM ET (TNT)
The schedule-makers were probably hoping that the Wizards would have more than four measly wins at this point in the season, but at least the game features the star power of LeBron. Maybe he and DeShawn Stevenson will reignite their silly feud from last season.
