Every year on Christmas Day, the NBA schedules a whole day slate of games. Normally these are good matchups, and this year is no exception. This year the NBA has games between 76ers vs. Knicks, Cavs vs. Warriors, Wizards vs. Celtics, Rockets vs. Thunder, and Timberwolves vs. Lakers. Let’s preview the games ahead of Christmas day. 

First up at noon is the 76ers vs Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York. The 76ers are coming into the game with a 14-17 record and lead by second year player Joel Embiid. Embiid is averaging 23.7 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 3.4 APG. The Knicks are coming into the game with a 17-14 record and is led by Kristaps Porzingis who is averaging 25.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 1.3 APG. Embiid vs Porzingis will be the matchup to watch in this one. 

Prediction: Knicks 

Next up at 3:00 EST is the Cavs vs. Warriors from Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. This is a rematch of the last three years’ Finals matchup. The Cavs are coming into this game with a 24-9record and led by superstar LeBron James. James is averaging 28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 9.1 APG. The Warriors are coming in with a 25-6 record and is led by Kevin Durant. Durant is averaging 26.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 5.3 APG.  

Prediction: Cavs 

Next up at 5:30 EST is the Wizards vs. Celtics from TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics are coming into the game with a 26-9 record and is led by Kyrie Irving. Irving is averaging 24.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 4.9 APG. The Wizards are coming in with a 17-14 record and is led by John Wall. Wall is averaging 19.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 8.9 APG. 

Prediction: Celtics 

After this at 8:00 EST is the Rockets vs. Thunder from Oklahoma City. The Rockets are coming into this game with a league best 25-5 record and is led by James Harden. Harden is averaging 31.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 9.4 APG. OKC is coming in with a 16-15 record and is led by Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is averaging 22.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, and 9.9 APG. 

Prediction: Rockets 

The last game of the night is the Timberwolves vs. Lakers at 10:30 EST. The Timberwolves are coming in with a 19-13 record and is led by Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns is averaging 20.4 PPG, 11.8 RPG, and 1.8 APG. The Lakers are coming in with a 11-18 record and is led by Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma is averaging 16.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 1.5 APG.  

Prediction: Timberwolves 

Are you going to watch NBA games on Christmas Day this year?