The NBA's 5 Christmas Gametime Gifts
Christmas basketball games have been a tradition since the beginning of the NBA.
As people gather with their families, sports fans give a new meaning to “holiday cheer,” rooting for some of their favorite teams. With a season that has started with all sorts of unlikely strokes of fate, the 2012-2013 Christmas Day games will be more interesting than ever.
Here’s a look at this year’s gametime gifts.
As people gather with their families, sports fans give a new meaning to “holiday cheer,” rooting for some of their favorite teams. With a season that has started with all sorts of unlikely strokes of fate, the 2012-2013 Christmas Day games will be more interesting than ever.
Here’s a look at this year’s gametime gifts.
1. Celtics v. Nets
Christmas Day will be the third face-off for these two teams, and Brooklyn has the advantage. Taking the first two wins, the Nets have beaten the Celtics at home and on the road, and while Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez all showed up for their first meeting to take the game, it was the fight-turned-brawl between Kris Humphries and Rajon Rondo during their second match-up that grabbed the most attention between these Atlantic Division rivals. Let’s hope these two don’t visit the ghost of game fight's past.
Christmas Day will be the third face-off for these two teams, and Brooklyn has the advantage. Taking the first two wins, the Nets have beaten the Celtics at home and on the road, and while Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez all showed up for their first meeting to take the game, it was the fight-turned-brawl between Kris Humphries and Rajon Rondo during their second match-up that grabbed the most attention between these Atlantic Division rivals. Let’s hope these two don’t visit the ghost of game fight's past.
2. NYK v. Lakers
For the Lakers, 'twas the season to be losing (until before their recent winning streak). The team’s Christmas game against the Knicks is a likely return for Steve Nash, who will either improve or further impair the Lakers' chemistry. Meanwhile in New York, Carmelo Anthony and company will be looking to add another 'W' to their Eastern Conference-topping record. Here’s to hoping Mike Woodson put a win on his Christmas list.
For the Lakers, 'twas the season to be losing (until before their recent winning streak). The team’s Christmas game against the Knicks is a likely return for Steve Nash, who will either improve or further impair the Lakers' chemistry. Meanwhile in New York, Carmelo Anthony and company will be looking to add another 'W' to their Eastern Conference-topping record. Here’s to hoping Mike Woodson put a win on his Christmas list.
3. OKC v. Miami
This replay of the 2011-2012 NBA Finals is the Christmas game to watch. With OKC playing the best ball in the league and the Heat fighting at #2 in the East, these two teams will undoubtedly show up and show out in their first meeting of the season. The Thunder has proven that the loss of James Harden can’t slow them down while the Heat are nipping at the Knicks’ heels. This game will likely come down to the wire in the last quarter.
This replay of the 2011-2012 NBA Finals is the Christmas game to watch. With OKC playing the best ball in the league and the Heat fighting at #2 in the East, these two teams will undoubtedly show up and show out in their first meeting of the season. The Thunder has proven that the loss of James Harden can’t slow them down while the Heat are nipping at the Knicks’ heels. This game will likely come down to the wire in the last quarter.
4. Rockets v. Bulls
Derrick Rose's full recovery would have been a Christmas miracle for the Chicago Bulls, but the team has been staying afloat despite the absence of their star player. Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah have tried to fill the offensive void left by Rose, but their defense remains strong. Their only challenges will be intercepting James Harden's shots and fighting off a possible case of “Linsanity.”
Derrick Rose's full recovery would have been a Christmas miracle for the Chicago Bulls, but the team has been staying afloat despite the absence of their star player. Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah have tried to fill the offensive void left by Rose, but their defense remains strong. Their only challenges will be intercepting James Harden's shots and fighting off a possible case of “Linsanity.”
5. Nuggets v. Clippers
If the Nuggets asked Santa for a win against the Clippers on Christmas, we hope they were more nice than naughty. Sitting close to the top spot in the Western Conference, this year’s better LA squad has made major improvements to their game. With stifling defense and a strong bench contribution from Jamal Crawford, Blake Griffin and his boys could have quite the merry Christmas against the Nuggets. One thing is for certain though: Denver will go just as hard in the paint.
If the Nuggets asked Santa for a win against the Clippers on Christmas, we hope they were more nice than naughty. Sitting close to the top spot in the Western Conference, this year’s better LA squad has made major improvements to their game. With stifling defense and a strong bench contribution from Jamal Crawford, Blake Griffin and his boys could have quite the merry Christmas against the Nuggets. One thing is for certain though: Denver will go just as hard in the paint.
