The NBA has taken over Christmas Day much like the NFL owns Thanksgiving. Each year, the hoops league attempts to place its best teams and biggest stars on display as the nation tunes in. Wednesday, the New York Times revealed this year's Christmas Day slate (all times ET):
- Bucks-Knicks, ESPN, 12 p.m.
- Thunder-Rockets, ABC, 3 p.m.
- 76ers-Celtics, ABC, 5:30 p.m.
- Lakers-Warriors, ABC/ESPN, 8 p.m.
- Blazers-Jazz, ESPN, 10:30 p.m.
The day promises to be full of intrigue, culminating with a fascinating matchup in the primetime slot. Below is our ranking of the five games.
5. Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
4. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz
Portland had a tremendous 2017-18 regular season but faltered late. Utah, on the other hand, seemed to get better as the season wore on. This game presents an opportunity for Donovan Mitchell, the Rookie of the Year runner-up, to show he's ready to contend with the best point guards in the league, as he'll be pitted against Damian Lillard. Both Utah and Portland should wind up in the West's loaded playoffs mid-tier, where every tiebreaker counts, so expect this to be a good one.
Speak it into existence 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/vBSknlNa0S
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 8, 2018
3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets
2. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
How could we pick against a LeBron-Warriors showdown? Remember this epic battle between the Cavs and Warriors on Christmas Day 2016?
Yes, LeBron plays for a new team now—but whenever you get the best player in the game (arguably the best of all-time) squaring off with the best team in the game (arguably the best of all-time), fans are in for a treat. That's why the NBA positioned this showdown in the primetime slot. We can't wait.