This year, the NBA Christmas games 2022 showcase five different matchups: Sixers at Knicks, Lakers at Mavericks, Nuggets at Suns, Grizzlies at Warriors, and Bucks at Celtics. Some of these games feature rivalries from last year’s playoffs, which makes them even more interesting to watch.
NBA Christmas games 2022
It has been a tradition for the NBA to feature games during Christmas. For basketball fans, this has been the most-awaited day of the season since it features interesting matchups every year.
Let’s take a look at the five NBA Christmas Day games this season…
Nuggets vs Suns
The Nuggets and Suns aren’t rivals, but this could be an interesting matchup since both teams are at the top of the Western Conference. The matchup isn’t short of stars either, since the Nuggets have Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic and the Suns have Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton.
Expect a high-scoring affair between both teams in the upcoming NBA Christmas Day. We won’t be surprised if Booker and Murray battle it out in crunch time.
Grizzlies vs Warriors
Grizzlies vs Warriors is one of the best rivalries right now. The rivalry started when the Grizzlies ousted the Warriors in 2021 in the play-in tournament and continued when both teams faced each other again last playoff season in the Western Conference semifinals. The series has been chippy, and there has been plenty of trashtalking from Ja Morant and Draymond Green. Trashtalking from both teams can still be found on social media to this day.
The upcoming Christmas Day game could be a dogfight once again. It could be tough for the struggling Golden State squad since the Grizzlies are one of the hottest teams in the West right now, even without Desmond Bane. Stephen Curry, one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, will need to put up MVP like numbers to carry the Warriors to victory.
Lakers vs Mavericks
It’s scary that the Lakers have found their groove before Christmas. Leading the charge is Anthony Davis, who has been on a tear lately. Meanwhile, LeBron James shows no sign of slowing down, even at age 37. He has been no stranger to Christmas Day games, as he’s the all-time leading scorer on this day. Just look at the top Christmas Day performances of all time and you will see LeBron’s name often.
Dallas will rely heavily (as usual) on Luka Doncic to carry their offense. This Christmas, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic will be the centers of attention.
Sixers vs Knicks
The Knicks were included in some of the best Christmas Day games of all time. However, that was mainly back in the day when they were legitimate contenders. This Christmas, they face Joel Embiid and the Sixers.
Philadelphia has won 17 out of the last 19 games against them. On paper, the Sixers are a better team than the Knicks by a mile. But who knows? This game could be a tight matchup.
Bucks vs Celtics
When talking about which team is the best in the East, there are only two answers right now: it’s either the Bucks or the Celtics. Both of these teams have been at the top of the Eastern Conference for the past two seasons, and show no signs of stopping this season. The rivalry is something to watch out for, especially since both have faced each other in the playoffs. Ultimately, the Celtics won in seven games.
This Christmas, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are looking to get revenge for last year’s playoff loss. However, it will be tough for the Bucks to contain Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown since these two are one of the hottest duos in the league right now.
This is one of the most anticipated matchups in the NBA Christmas games 2022. Expect a scrappy game from both of these teams.
