After going 8-6 in our last round of predictions, our season record now stands at 170-82, bringing our accuracy rate to 64.8%. Tonight, we’re treated to the NBA’s highly anticipated Christmas Day schedule, featuring marquee matchups that promise festive thrills on the court.
The day begins with the San Antonio Spurs facing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Next, the Minnesota Timberwolves clash with the Dallas Mavericks in a battle of two Western Conference contenders.
In a heated Eastern Conference rivalry, the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Boston Celtics in what could be a tough outing for the Sixers. Later, the Los Angeles Lakers face the Golden State Warriors in a classic showdown between two storied franchises.
Finally, the night concludes with the Denver Nuggets meeting the Phoenix Suns in a rematch of recent battles.
Let’s break down these festive matchups and aim to deliver another strong round of predictions.
San Antonio Spurs At New York Knicks: 12:00 PM EST
Spurs Current Record: 15-14
Knicks Current Record: 19-10
Spurs Injuries: N/A
Knicks Injuries: Mitchell Robinson, Out (Foot), Kevin McCullar Jr., Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2
The San Antonio Spurs visit Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in a marquee Christmas Day matchup. The Knicks, riding a four-game win streak, have been dominant at home this season and aim to continue their impressive form against an up-and-coming Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama.
New York has showcased elite defense, ranking top-five in net rating, offense, and defense over their last 10 games. Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Brunson have led the charge, with Towns averaging a double-double (24.7 points and 13.9 rebounds) and Brunson shooting an impressive 43.4% from beyond the arc. However, the Knicks will miss Mitchell Robinson, which could create opportunities for Wembanyama inside.
San Antonio has exceeded expectations, sitting above.500 and contending for a playoff spot. Wembanyama, averaging 24.8 points and 9.9 rebounds, has been on a tear, scoring 25+ points in 11 of his last 15 games. However, the Spurs’ road struggles (4-7 away) and middling defensive metrics might make it difficult to upset the in-form Knicks.
The Spurs will need a big game from Wembanyama and consistent contributions from their supporting cast to challenge a Knicks team peaking at the right time.
Prediction: Knicks def. Spurs 115-110
Minnesota Timberwolves At Dallas Mavericks, 2:30 PM EST
Wolves Current Record: 14-14
Mavericks Current Record: 19-10
Wolves Injuries: Daishen Nix – Out (Ankle), Luka Garza – Out (Ankle), Joe Ingles – Out (Calf)
Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Heel), Brandon Williams – Out (Thumb), Jaden Hardy – Out (Ankle), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2
The Dallas Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Christmas Day Western Conference showdown. The Mavericks are coming off a dominant 132-108 win over Portland, while the Timberwolves dropped a 117-104 decision to Atlanta. Both teams aim to solidify their playoff positioning in a competitive conference.
Dallas continues to thrive behind Luke Doncic and Kyrie Irving, though Doncic’s availability due to a heel injury remains a question mark. Even without their star, the Mavericks boast strong depth, with key contributions from Kay Thompson, PJ Washington Jr., and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ranks in the top 10 in shooting efficiency and top five in rebounding, critical factors against a Timberwolves team struggling to find consistency.
Minnesota, led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, has faced offensive inconsistency and rebounding issues, ranking among the league’s bottom five in rebounding. Edwards and Randle carry much of the scoring burden, but secondary contributions remain limited. The Timberwolves will need to tighten their defense and improve their inside presence to keep up with Dallas’ firepower.
The Mavericks’ depth and home-court advantage give them the edge. If Doncic plays, Dallas could win comfortably. Even in his absence, their team-oriented approach should be enough to outlast the inconsistent Timberwolves.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Wolves 120-112
Philadelphia 76ers At Boston Celtics: 5:00 PM EST
Sixers Current Record: 10-17
Celtics Current Record: 22-7
Sixers Injuries: Eric Gordon – Out (Mouth), Andre Drummond – Out (Toe), KJ Martin – Out (Foot), Jared McCain – Out (Mensicus)
Celtics Injuries: Jrue Holiday, Day To Day (Shoulder), Derrick White, Day To Day (Hamstring), Jayson Tatum, Day To Day (Illness)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2
The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics are set to renew their historic rivalry on Christmas Day at TD Garden. The Celtics, boasting a stellar 22-7 record, have established themselves as one of the league’s most consistent teams, while the 76ers have endured a turbulent start to the season with a 10-17 record, largely impacted by injuries.
Philadelphia enters this matchup with optimism, having won seven of their last ten games as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are regaining form. Maxey, in particular, has been a standout with his playmaking and scoring. However, consistency remains a concern for a team still finding its identity.
The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, continue to thrive on both ends of the floor. Tatum’s scoring prowess and Boston’s elite defensive structure make them formidable at home. Despite some recent struggles, Boston’s depth and cohesion provide an advantage over a 76ers squad still trying to piece everything together.
Expect a competitive game with the 76ers putting up a fight, but the Celtics’ superior execution and home-court advantage should lead to a victory.
Prediction: Celtics def. Sixers 112-103
Los Angeles Lakers At Golden State Warriors: 8:00 PM EST
Lakers Current Record: 16-13
Warriors Current Record: 15-13
Lakers Injuries: D’Angelo Russell, Day To Day (Thumb), Anthony Davis, Day To Day (Shoulder), LeBron James, Day To Day (Foot), Christan Wood, Out (Knee), Jalen Hood-Schifino: Out (Hamstring); Jarred Vanderbilt: Out (Knee)
Warriors Injuries: Gary Payton II, Day To Dau (Calf)
Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors headline the NBA’s Christmas Day primetime slot, offering another chapter in the storied rivalry between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Both teams are jostling for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, with the Lakers holding a 16-13 record and the Warriors close behind at 15-13.
The Lakers are coming off a tough road loss and face uncertainty with key injuries, as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell are all listed as questionable. Los Angeles has been inconsistent defensively, ranking in the bottom half of the league, but its interior dominance behind Davis has been a strong point.
Golden State has struggled recently, dropping seven of its last ten games, but remains dangerous at home. Stephen Curry has faced shooting slumps in recent outings, but his ability to facilitate and score in big moments makes him pivotal to the Warriors’ chances. Golden State’s depth and ball movement provide an advantage, particularly if the Lakers are shorthanded.
This matchup promises high energy and scoring, with both teams capable of explosive offense. In a close contest, the Warriors’ home court may prove decisive.
Prediction: Warriors def. Lakers 118-114
Denver Nuggets At Phoneix Suns: 10:30 PM EST
Nuggets Current Record: 16-11
Suns Current Record: 14-14
Nuggets Injuries: Jamal Murray – Day To Day (Ankle), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)
Suns Injuries: Collin Gillespie – Out (Ankle), Bol Bol – Out (Knee), Grayson Allen – Out (Concussion), Devin Booker – Out (Groin)
Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2
The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns face off on Christmas Day in a rematch from Monday, where Denver secured a dominant 117-90 victory. The Nuggets, riding high with Nikola Jokic’s MVP-caliber performance, look to continue their recent hot streak. Jokic, who is averaging 30.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, remains the engine of Denver’s offense and a matchup nightmare for opponents.
The Suns are struggling amidst a three-game losing streak. Kevin Durant has been a consistent force, averaging 27.1 points per game, but Phoenix’s offensive rhythm has suffered without Devin Booker, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. The team has struggled to generate reliable scoring outside of Durant and Bradley Beal, making this matchup particularly challenging.
Denver’s balanced offensive attack and superior paint presence give them an edge, while Phoenix must tighten its defensive schemes and find secondary scoring to compete. If Jokic continues his dominance and the Suns cannot slow Denver’s ball movement, the Nuggets are well-positioned to sweep this mini-series.
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