Christmas this year delivers a solid slate of NBA games, but there’s only one that truly matters. Think of the day’s first two games as the appetizer. Enjoy as much as you can, but be sure to leave room for the delicious main course: An NBA Finals rematch between the Warriors and Cavaliers.
NBA Christmas games 2015: Finally, the finals rematch we’ve long anticipated
Here’s a full schedule of the NBA’s annual Christmas festivities, highlighted by a long-awaited Finals rematch.
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For a while it looked the Golden State Warriors might actually make it to Dec. 25 without losing a game. Alas, the Bucks put an end to that dream, but that doesn't make this matchup between the Warriors and the favorites in the East any less enticing.
Stephen Curry always puts on a show, and you know LeBron James is going to desperately want to show the world that any talk about Curry usurping him is premature.
It's not like those are the only two players worth paying attention to either. Kyrie Irving returned to the floor last weekend for Cleveland, so this will be his first nationally televised game of the year. Draymond Green never disappoints when the spotlight's on him. Klay Thompson could go for 30 any night.
These two teams, along with the Spurs, have separated themselves from the rest of the league this season. Christmas will mark the first time all year we get to see two of them face off.
Here’s the full Christmas schedule.
Nothing has gone right for New Orleans this season. The Pelicans have the Western Conference's second-worst record and are last in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions. With Alvin Gentry now running the show, this was supposed to be the year where the offense took off and Anthony Davis morphed into an MVP candidate. Instead, a rash of injuries have derailed the season and New Orleans' offense ranks in the middle of the pack.
Miami, on other hand, has outperformed expectations thus far. The 16-11 Heat are healthy and defending at a high level. They just might be the Eastern Conference’s second-best team, and one that could give Cleveland a scare come playoff time.
TV: ESPN
Radio: ESPN Radio
Streaming: WatchESPN
More on these teams: The Bird Writes | Hot Hot Hoops
College coaches entering the NBA will be the theme of this game. Both the Bulls and Thunder elected to fire their longtime head coaches over the offseason and dip into the college ranks in order to find a replacement. Neither move has worked out as planned. The Bulls (15-11) are still winning games, mostly because their stout defense hasn't slipped with Tom Thibodeau no longer running the show. The problems have come on offense. Only three teams are scoring fewer points per 100 possessions that the Bulls, which was the area new head coach Fred Hoiberg was supposed to fix. That Hoiberg's best player is now calling him out isn't making his job any easier.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma City, former Florida coach Billy Donovan is still adjusting to the NBA game. The Thunder have been good, but not great, though they have come on strong of late. They’re second in points scored per 100 possessions and ninth in points allowed. Being in the top 10 on both sides bodes well for their future.
TV: ABC
Radio: ESPN Radio
Streaming: WatchESPN
More on these teams: Blog a Bull | Welcome to Loud City
There’s not much to add here other than again pointing out that this is the most anticipated regular season game of the year. These are two of the three best teams in the league. It would surprise no one if Cleveland and Golden State met each other in the finals for the second straight year. The only question worth asking going into this contest: Which of the many stars in this game are going to steal the show?
TV: ABC
Radio: ESPN Radio
Streaming: WatchESPN
More on these teams: Fear The Sword | Golden State of Mind
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Perhaps a change on the bench was all Houston needed. After dropping seven of their first 11 games, the Rockets, under interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, have gone 11-8 and climbed back into the playoff race. James Harden has started to rediscover his touch and the team no longer views playing defense as something worth avoiding at all costs. But this matchup, against the surging and Spurs, will be a tough one.
If not for Golden State's red-hot start to the season, San Antonio would be the team on everyone's mind. They're playing defense at a level the league hasn't seen for nearly 10 years and Kawhi Leonard has turned into a star. Also, there's no better dessert for hoops lovers than watching the Spurs swing the ball.
TV: TNT
Radio: ESPN Radio
Streaming: WatchESPN
More on these teams: Poudning the Rock | The Dream Shake
Unless you enjoy watching aging stars jack up bad jumpers, you'll probably want to avoid this one. Then again, maybe Christmas is the night where Kobe Bryant rediscovers his touch. At the least, this game should provide a glimpse at the Lakers' two young first round picks, D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. Also, the Clippers can still dunk, so there's always that.
TV: ESPN
Radio: ESPN Radio
Streaming: WatchESPN
More on these teams: Clips Nation | Silver Screen and Roll
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