"NBA Christmas Day Gifts & Hoops"

Twas the night before Christmas, all was quiet throughout basketball 
stadiums. Not even a small ounce of sound could be heard. Fans going 
to bed after a night of celebrating plenty of drinks and laughter. Waking 
up the next morning with gifts under their tree. Children sitting down, 
waiting as they looked in awe over what's theirs.

For NBA fans, the slate of games will be either good or be stolen by The 
Grinch. Five games on deck as it looks to overpower the NFL games on 
Netflix. Christmas Day games pertaining to basketball features marquee 
superstars and franchises. Over the last few years, we've seen rising 
stars dominate the holiday. Holiday themed sneakers and socks 
catching eyes of fans and trend on social media. Let's unwrap the 
games Adam Silver has given us.

San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks

The first game of Christmas Day starts in Madison Square Garden, as 
New York welcomes second year sensation Wemby and the Spurs to 
the "Mecca of Basketball." It's been a tradition for New York to kickoff 
the slate versus Brooklyn, but fans would turnoff the television. New 
York has championship aspirations with a stacked roster and new 
edition Karl Anthony-Towns has proven to be the player NY has hoped 
for in making a deep playoff run. There'll be plenty of cameras flashing 
as Wemby runs up and down the court with little effort. Courtside barbs 
between Knicks superfan Spike Lee and Wemby possibly speaking in 
French dialogue. For New York, this game means a lot to the city and 
fans. San Antonio will compete and lean on Wemby to lead a Christmas 
Day victory.

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks

A rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals will take place in 
Dallas, Texas; as Minnesota will look to howl loud over Dallas.
Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards and his supporting cast will 
seek revenge against Mavs superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. A 
young Minnesota team whose experienced highs with team success 
and lows can make a statement. Sending a message they're not going 
anywhere but up as last season wasn't a fluke. Dallas is a veteran team 
and the Doncic/Irving tandem can put on a masterclass in being the 
best duo in basketball. Either player can get hot late and send you back 
home empty-handed. It's going to be the mid-tier game of Christmas 
Day.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics

The mid-afternoon game features reigning defending champion Boston
as they host division rival Philadelphia. Sixers fans have seen marquee
player Joel Embiid battle injuries and drew ire as if he cares about
basketball. An early season rift between he and fellow teammate Tyrese
Maxey became a story. It's one thing or another in the locker room as
new Sixers Paul George has more podcast episodes uploaded than
games played. Spending and using every resource to win has been
empty-handed.

Boston, one of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference picked up
where they left off. Hot starts, stuffy defense and reminding everyone
they're the team to beat. Celtics superstars Jaylen Brown and Jayson
Tatum have proven to be the best scoring duo. There's no denying this
by any means and it's scary to defend. Point guard Jrue Holiday is the
catalyst of this defense; as Derrick White is a guy who can give you
positive production. Boston will be a matchup nightmare for Philadelphia

as this great Eastern Conference rivalry will take center court. Don't be
surprised if there's some chirping and jawing between players.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors

The primetime game of Christmas Night features two great franchises
and all-time great players. LeBron James and Stephen Curry are
legends in their own right. Ageless wonders who've become pretty good
friends over the last few years. Playing together in the Summer
Olympics, it was once in a lifetime. For James, another milestone in
longevity playing twenty-two seasons and Curry still the greatest
shooter of all-time. For their respected teams, Los Angeles got off to a
great start under first year head coach JJ Redick, but hit a pot hole to

sputter downward. The media questioning if Redick would make it to all-
star break.

Healthy bodies are getting back and helps the Lakers rotations; along
with adjustments through each quarter. For all the noise surrounding
Los Angeles, a big win over Golden State would build momentum.
Golden State has faced their fair strays as well; the departure of Warrior
legend Klay Thompson and retooling a competitive roster for Steph to
win another title. Curry is the catalyst of this dynasty and rightfully along
with Draymond Green. The Dubs need as many wins possible to keep
pace in an ultra competitive Western Conference. This game is a
statement for both teams and could come down to a big Curry three or
James chase down block. Which coach will have the winning plays
drawn up is key.

Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns

Our last game of Christmas Night, one that'll be somewhat okay or
boring depending if you're a fan of either team. Denver flies into The

Valley with a matchup against Phoenix. With both teams seeing ups and
downs, Denver has been murky at times. Jokic is still great despite not
getting much from his co-star Jamal Murray. Russell Westbrook can be
the subject of losses at times and head coach Mike Malone has been
put on notice prior to the season.

Phoenix started off blazing like a scorching sun with new head coach
Mike Budenholzer. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have
been pretty good. Despite injuries here/there, the Suns are still a
wrecking ball offensively. Three players who can give you twenty-five to
thirty points any given night will be a matchup nightmare. It's their bench
production which can be an issue come playoff time. They'll do enough
to win games, but can their three superstars stay healthy as the season
heats up?

From all of us here at The Gryd Network, have a safe and Merry
Christmas. Enjoy time with your family and loved ones; make each
moment count. Please be responsible as well.

Stai tuned.