Tomorrow on Christmas Day, all 5 NBA games will be nationally televised. Each features a solid matchup. Let's look at each of tomorrow's matchups.
Chicago Bulls (18-9) at New York Knicks (17-12), 12 PM EST, ESPN
The Bulls have won 9 of their last 10 games, and come into Madison Square Garden against the Knicks who are going through a rough patch in the season here. Despite losing Joakim Noah to thumb surgery, the Bulls got star post player F Carlos Boozer, who is averaging 21.2 points and 9.7 rebounds in his last 10 games. New York attempts the most 3-pointers in the league, and Amare Stoudemire had 9 straight games with at least 30 points earlier in the month. Both teams have played well recently, but I think if the Knicks shooters show up, they might be able to win this game.
Pick: New York Knicks
Boston Celtics (23-4) at Orlando Magic (17-12), 2:30 PM EST, ABC
The Celtics have won 14 straight games, and are red-hot. The Magic have built up an even stronger team through trades this week, acquiring Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark, trading away Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus, and Marcin Gortat. The amazing thing about the Celtics' win streak is the fact that they've suffered some important injuries during the streak. Guards Rajon Rondo and Delonte West, and C Shaquille and F Jermaine O'Neal have both missed time, and starting C Kendrick Perkins still hasn't played all year. The Magic are still getting together as a team, and even without Rajon Rondo, I think the Celtics extend their winning streak.
Pick: Boston Celtics
Miami Heat (22-9) at Los Angeles Lakers (21-8), 5 PM EST, ABC
The marquee matchup of the day pits the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers against LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat. The Heat have struggled against top teams this year, losing twice to the Celtics and twice to the Mavericks already this year. The Lakers are coming off one of their worst losses of the season, losing by 19 at home to a Bucks team without Brandon Jennings. Dwayne Wade is questionable for the game. Both teams are extremely motivated to win this game, but I think the Lakers will come out on top.
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers
Denver Nuggets (16-11) at Oklahoma City Thunder (20-10), 8 PM EST, ESPN
The Thunder are coming off a loss on Wednesday against the Knicks, and take on the Nuggets on Christmas day. The Nuggets are going to short-handed on Christmas, as Carmelo Anthony will be missing the game due to the death of his sister. The Thunder have played well at home this year, and I think that without Anthony, the Nuggets will fall to the Thunder.
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Portland Trailblazers (15-14) at Golden State Warriors (10-18), 10:30 EST, ESPN
The final matchup of the day may not have the marquee records and teams, but both teams have top players and this should be a great matchup. The Blazers are searching for their 4th consecutive win. LaMarcus Aldridge is leading the Blazers in Brandon Roy's absence, averaging 29.3 PPG over this week. Monta Ellis of the Warriors, always an explosive scorer, is pushing it even further this week, averaging 35 PPG this week. Both players are on a tear, but I see the Warriors winning this game due to injuries to key players for the Blazers.
Pick: Golden State Warriors
Merry Christmas and enjoy the games!
