While there are games in the National Football League on Christmas Day, the biggest ticket is the National Basketball Association. There is a five pack of games on the hardwood, including a nightcap with the Phoenix Suns in action. Let’s take a look at the 5 games you can bet on in the National Basketball Association for Christmas Day 2023.
Milwaukee Bucks -2.5 at New York Knicks
Two teams have a lot to prove in the Eastern Conference and will get together on Christmas Day at the World’s Most Famous Arena. Plenty of stars will be in attendance to see the Greek Freak and his partner Damian Lillard taking on the Knicks. The Bucks have struggled a bit on the road, as they are 5-5. New York is coming off a long road trip out West, and will be ready to get back home. This Knicks team is sneaky, and can win nearly every night. Their win over the Lakers on Monday was an impressive one led by Jalen Brunson. This should be a great start to the day from the Garden.
Golden State Warriors +5.5 at Denver Nuggets
One thing has been clear in the first 26 games of the season. The Golden State Warriors are not the Warriors teams of old. But, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson still play the game, and can get hot at any time. Father time seems to have caught up to them a bit, and they are 12-14 on the outside looking in at a postseason spot, as we approach Christmas. Their Christmas Day game is not an easy one, as they get the defending NBA Champions. The Nuggets are 11-2 at home, and are third in the West. The Nuggets are not concerned yet, but will certainly start finding groove as the season moves along in an effort to capture that top seed. The Warriors are going to have a tough time slowing down Nikola Jokic in this one, especially as Draymond Green continues to sit out with his suspension.
Boston Celtics -1.5 at Los Angeles Lakers
Two of the proudest franchises in all of professional sports will get together in Los Angeles. Merry Christmas, but this is not Larry Bird against Magic Johnson. In saying that, there is plenty of talent in this game. Jayson Tatum against LeBron James is an elite matchup in this league. If that is not enough, Anthony Davis against Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics have the best record in the league and will look to wrap up a road trip with a gift for their fans on the road. Los Angeles won the in-season tournament, and have hit a lull since, but certainly with health will be a talented team to knock off.
Philadelphia 76ers +1.5 at Miami Heat
The Philadelphia 76ers are 8-4 on the road, so they are not going to be overwhelmed as they visit South Beach on Christmas Day. The 76ers are third in the Eastern Conference, while Miami sits at 7th. The Heat have been banged up all season, but once they get their full arsenal, keep in mind this is the team that went to the NBA Finals a season ago. Joel Embiid is going to love the big stage, but a guy named Jimmy Butler certainly is not going to let things come easy. This should be a great game to set up the final game of the night.
Dallas Mavericks +5.5 at Phoenix Suns
Quite frankly, the Phoenix Suns have been a disappointment to start the 2023 season. Sure, Bradley Beal has sat more than he has played. But, a roster with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should not be 10th in the West. The Suns are hopeful the primetime game on Christmas will get them going into January and beyond. Dallas comes into the game as the fifth seed with their 16-10 record. Luka Doncic getting primetime attention, as Kevin Durant comes through on the other side. Look for a good one from the desert to close up Christmas Night.
Those are the five games in the National Basketball Association for Christmas Day. Enjoy the games and best of luck betting on those games, and all the legal Arizona betting action on Christmas Day!
