Entertaining schedule awaits on Christmas
The NBA fills its Christmas Day stocking with all sorts of goodies for hoops fanatics the world over. And as the league announced Thursday, this year will be no different.
The NBA also unveiled the national TV schedule for the first four days of the regular season, and just like Christmas, the slate doesn’t disappoint. While the entire schedule has yet to be released, here’s a look at Dec. 25 and opening week (times p.m. Eastern).
Christmas
76ERS AT KNICKS, NOON, ESPN
The Knicks are a mess, with Phil Jackson ousted and Carmelo Anthony’s future in limbo. But Philly, with young stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons healthy enough to be at their best as well as the addition of veteran shooting guard J.J. Redick and No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz, should be interesting.
CAVALIERS AT WARRIORS, 3, ABC
Interest in this game is subject to change depending on Kyrie Irving ’s status. After asking for a trade last month, the Cavaliers point guard is still waiting to find out which jersey he’ll be wearing. Nonetheless, LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and the rest is more than enough to warrant watching. These teams have faced off in an unprecedented three consecutive Finals and now see each other on Christmas Day for the third year in a row.
WIZARDS AT CELTICS, 5:30, ABC
The Irving situation has created opportunity for other elite squads in the Eastern Conference. So beyond this being a rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals that Boston won in seven games, it’s another chance for these teams to assert themselves. The Celtics improved significantly in free agency by landing small forward Gordon Hayward, while the Wizards locked up their franchise centerpiece, point guard John Wall, on a deal that ensures he’ll be paid a combined $207.2 million from this season through 2022-23.
ROCKETS AT THUNDER, 8, ABC
The Warriors remain the clear favorite in the West, but no teams tried harder to cut that gap than Houston and Oklahoma City. By the time this tip-off arrives, new Rockets point guard Chris Paul likely will have found his stride with James Harden and Co. while Thunder newcomer Paul George will be two months into his superstar pairing with Russell Westbrook.
TIMBERWOLVES AT LAKERS, 10:30, TNT
Even the worst of Lakers teams are a good ratings draw, but the Timberwolves are the must-see TV here. After finishing 31-51 in Tom Thibodeau’s first season as coach and team president, Minnesota added three-time All-Star Jimmy Butler via trade with Chicago as well as veterans Jeff Teague, Jamal Crawford and Taj Gibson.
Opening week
Celtics at Cavaliers (Oct. 17, 8, TNT): The NBA season tips off with a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals.
Rockets at Warriors (Oct.
17, 10:30, TNT): On the night the Warriors accept their second set of championship rings in three years, Harden, Paul and the new-look Rockets will be eager to start the season off with a bang.
Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs (Oct. 18, 9:30, ESPN): The Timberwolves might have won the summer, but their first test won’t be an easy one. .
Knicks at Thunder (Oct. 19, 8, TNT): How will Westbrook and George mesh in their first game together in the national spotlight?
Los Angeles Clippers at Lakers (Oct. 19, 10:30, TNT):
This year’s most talked-about rookie, Lonzo Ball, stole the show in the Summer League. But this is where hiscareer truly begins.
Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans (Oct. 20, 9:30, ESPN): After 0-6 and 0-8 starts the last two seasons, can the Pelicans steal one from the defending champs?