NBA Christmas TV Schedule, Preview & Predictions: Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls Highlight Holiday
Merry Christmas, basketball fans!
Whether you're opening gifts early, watching the annual 24-hour "Christmas Day" marathon or just hanging out, you've got basketball on your mind.
Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are the five games that will be played this Christmas:
Washington Wizards at New York Knicks
Game time: 12 p.m. EST on ESPN
Even though the Knicks are having a disappointing season, Knicks fans can still watch their favorite team on Christmas day. At 5-25, the Knicks are off to their worst start in franchise history, and they've lost nine of their last 10 games. As for the Wizards, they're a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards are 19-7, and point guard John Wall is playing outstanding. The Wizards currently sit in third place in the East, and they have a great chance to show everyone what they're made of on national television.
Prediction: Wizards win 91-89
Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs
Game time: 2:30 p.m. EST on ABC
What a game basketball fans should be in for.
The defending NBA champions have been struggling lately, losing four of their last five, but the Spurs are always in the hunt. The Spurs have injuries to notable players such as Patty Mills and Kawhi Leonard. With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook back in the lineup, the Thunder are back to being a dangerous team. The game will be played in San Antonio, so hopefully head coach Gregg Popovich will play his starters.
Prediction: Spurs win 101-97
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
Game time: 5 p.m. EST on ABC
"The King" faces his former team, the Miami Heat. LeBron James won two consecutive NBA Championships with the Heat, but fans in Miami may still boo him when he touches the ball. The Cavaliers have been playing very well lately, winning seven of their last 10 games for a 16-10 record. As for the Heat, they're now 13-15 with a lot of problems. Don't be surprised if the Heat make some moves before the trade deadline. The Heat are the No. 7 seed in the East, and they need this win badly.
Prediction: Cavaliers win 98-88
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
Game time: 8 p.m. EST on TNT
This will be our only inter-conference game on Christmas Day. The Los Angeles Lakers are just 8-19, but they have been showing signs of flashes lately. Nick Young and Kobe Bryant appear to be playing well together, and Jeremy Lin needs to start improving his play. As for the Chicago Bulls, they lead the Central division at 18-9, two wins ahead of the Cavaliers. Derrick Rose has been off and on with his constant injuries, but he is expected to play in this game. Bulls power forward Pau Gasol will be facing his former team.
Prediction: Bulls win 91-84
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
Game time: 10:30 p.m. EST on TNT
The final game on Christmas gives NBA fans a nice California duel.
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers have a combined 42 wins, the most of any game on our list. Both the Clippers and Warriors play in the same division, so this game means a lot when it comes to the standings. The Warriors have the best record in the league at 23-3 this season thanks to the "Splash Brothers" of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Clippers are right in the mix of things with a 19-9 record. It should be fun watching Blake Griffin's dunks against Curry's three point shooting.
Prediction: Warriors win 117-108
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