The NBA gets a much-needed break on Thursday, as no pro basketball games are scheduled for Christmas Eve. The league rages back in full force the very next day for Christmas, though, and there are some very interesting matchups and story-lines we all can enjoy for the holiday. The slate isn’t overly heavy, but it’s filled with enough action and drama to appease even the most intense NBA fan.
Let’s break down the top things to watch for during Friday’s NBA Christmas Day schedule:
Christmas Day Uniforms
One of the coolest aspect of the NBA Christmas games is the special custom basketball uniforms each team gets to wear. With five games on today’s holiday slate, we get to see 10 different versions to the cool new retro Christmas jerseys. That way, even if a game is out of hand or not particularly exciting, we at least get to see the players in new digs.
The Brow vs. Hassanity
While the new holiday uni’s are a fine touch, not much beats two goliaths facing off. Anthony Davis is easily one of the top talents in the league, but today he’s tasked with facing both Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside. It’s tough to remember a time we saw so much talent (and shot-blocking ability) in the same game.
Harden vs. Kawhi
It’s the age old battle of elite offense versus elite defense in this matchup, as James Harden tries to get past defensive ace Kawhi Leonard today. The Spurs as a whole are not to be messed with on either side of the court, but their defense is especially a challenge. Can a currently ineffecient Harden do enough to thwart of the Spurs? Will Kawhi even be assigned the task of slowing down Houston’s best offensive player? Probably not, and probably.
Battle of L.A.
The Lakers and Clippers are two very different teams heading in opposite directions, but this is still a fun battle between two Los Angeles teams that don’t lack star power or confidence. Blake Griffin, Chris Paul ad DeAndre Jordan fuel a Clippers team that struggled out of the gates but appears to be finding their second wind, while any game associated with Kobe Bryant is must-see TV these days. The Black Mamba has been on an unlikely run of vintage performances, but can it keep up on Christmas Day – his last ever in the NBA?
NBA Finals Rematch
The uni’s and all of the other stars on Christmas Day are just noise compared to easily the biggest matchup of the holiday season – the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors took down LeBron James and the Cavs in the NBA Finals last year and since then have lost exactly one game to start the 2015-16 NBA season. Will Cleveland hand the mighty Warriors loss number two?
Got something else worth tuning into the NBA games for on Christmas? Tell us in the comments below!
