NBA Christmas schedule: What to watch in all five games

NBA
Derrick Rose begins his defense of his MVP against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers
NBA Christmas schedule: What to watch in all five games

Back on Thanksgiving weekend, NBA commissioner David Stern and union head Billy Hunter met, with a noticeably increased sense of urgency on the league’s aspect. There was absolute confidence on why—Stern wished to push to succeed in a deal on a replacement collective-bargaining agreement so the league might still air its prized package of games, on Christmas Day. The deal got done, and currently comes the payoff.


“We got some unimaginable games on Christmas Day, i'm excited,” Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Magic Johnson said. “I am glad that the main target are back on the sport, back on the groups, back on the superstars we've got during this league. i'm able to go. And they’re able to go yet. and therefore the fans are back and prepared to travel.”


In that case, let’s go. There are 5 games on faucet, and every is value a glance. All times are japanese.


Celtics at Knicks, noon


Worth watching: When last we tend to saw the Knicks, they were being swept by the Celtics in an exceedingly series that was deceptively close—the 1st 2 games were set by a complete of 5 points. The mantra then, though, was that once acquiring Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups from Denver, the Knicks merely required longer along to develop chemistry.


Instead, we tend to got a lockout that slashed coaching camp right down to 2 weeks and therefore the Knicks roster went through a convulsion once they let Billups go and overpaid for Tyson Chandler. So, in what appears like an annual ritual, the Knicks can ought to learn on the fly, and going against a Boston team that would come back its beginning 5 from the playoffs—Paul Pierce (ankle) might not play—will be an honest 1st take a look at of latest York’s ability to try and do that.


Heat at Mavericks, 2:30 p.m.


Worth watching: there's little reason that the warmth can’t step into this season firing on all cylinders. They’re (mostly) healthy, and that they come back just about everybody from their Finals team last year, with the addition of Shane Battier a giant boost to the rotation. If you’re coach Erik Spoelstra, you’d prefer to see your guys—especially the star trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh—come out with a killer angle and jump on the team that stopped their championship drive last year. A focused, no-nonsense effort would be a pleasant thanks to set the tone for the season in Miami.


It ought to facilitate, too, that Dallas lost some key items, particularly Chandler within the middle and J.J. Barea off the bench. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle can tinker with operating new guys Lamar Odom and Vince Carter into the rotation.


Bulls at Lakers, 5 p.m.


Worth watching: it'll be nice to look at Derrick Rose start on his defense of his MVP award and his justification of his new contract, particularly with new shooting guard Richard Hamilton aboard. however this game can largely be concerning the Lakers, as new coach Mike Brown makes his debut, while not Odom and with center Andrew Bynum out thanks to a suspension levied for a bonehead play in last year’s playoffs.


Brown additionally must cope with Kobe Bryant’s thumb injury and Pau Gasol’s mindset, that can be a difficulty since he was nearly included in an exceedingly trade for Chris Paul. It’s a replacement era for Lakers fans, and that they won't like how things check up on the outset.


Magic at Thunder, 8 p.m.


Worth watching: Like Stan Van Gundy doesn’t have enough to fret concerning, with a disjointed roster and somebody shot|a big wig} big man who needs out of Orlando. Now, the league is adding insult to his injury by creating his team play on Christmas, one thing Van Gundy has been vocal in complaining concerning within the past. Worse, the Magic ought to travel to Oklahoma town, one in all the harder places to play within the NBA, against a team that's primed to require its spot as a championship contender this year.


Still, the Magic have the makings of a fairly sensible team, as long as Howard stays active and engaged whereas the trade rumors fly. mounting against Thunder center/agitator Kendrick Perkins ought to get Howard’s juices flowing—the last time he saw Perkins, he went for twenty eight points and thirteen rebounds, whereas Perkins was scoreless in 5 shot makes an attempt.


Clippers at Warriors, 10:30 p.m.


Worth watching: what percentage times has it been said that a Clippers-Warriors tilt is must-see TV? If this can be the primary time, it simply goes to indicate how excitement has increased currently that L.A. has added purpose guard Chris Paul to Blake Griffin’s team.


With Griffin and young center DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers have 2 of the 3 leading dunkers within the league from last year, and bringing in deft passers like Paul and Chauncey Billups has already earned the Clippers the nickname, “Lob City.” they're going to travel to the Bay space to create their debut against the soldiers, a team that new coach Mark Jackson is hoping to instill with a replacement defensive mindset. sensible luck with that, coach.


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