Get ready for a full day of NBA rivalries, superstars and potential playoff previews as the league’s five-game Christmas Day slate tips off on Monday.
The day begins with an Eastern Conference clash, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks traveling to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks (noon ET on ESPN). That’s followed by a pivotal Western Conference showdown, as Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Denver Nuggets host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors (2:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN).
Then, one of the most historic rivalries in sports takes center stage with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Boston Celtics (5 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN).
Later, the Philadelphia 76ers — who’ll be missing reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid due to an ankle injury — take on the Miami Heat (8 p.m. ET on ESPN). The Dallas Mavericks visit the Phoenix Suns (10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN) in the day’s finale.
Which teams and stars will shine brightest? Will Christmas Day offer any postseason previews? What team not playing is likely to be on the holiday slate next year?
Our NBA insiders answer some of the biggest questions surrounding the day’s action and what lies ahead for all 10 teams.
1. Of the 10 teams playing, the one with the biggest question mark is _____?
Kendra Andrews: The Warriors. It might be time to resurface their “two-timeline” plan of looking beyond their veteran core — including Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green — as it appears there is a legitimate group of young players ready to take the reins. Or, at least guide them through this season as the veterans have gone through their inconsistencies (or in Green’s case, an indefinite suspension). Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said this will be the most important stretch in deciding what moves need to be made, so it’s quite possible this team could look different very soon.
Tim Bontemps: The 76ers, and specifically what they do between now and February’s trade deadline. Even though he’ll sit out Monday’s game with an ankle injury, Embiid is playing the best basketball of his career, and ESPN’s first MVP straw poll of the season showed he’s got a great shot at a second straight award. Tyrese Maxey has become a bonafide star, and this team is flush with over $100 million in expiring contracts and multiple first-round draft picks to improve the roster.
Jamal Collier: The Suns, who are still waiting to reach full strength.
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