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The NBA season returns on December 22, and we can't wait for the tip-off! However, bear in mind this will not be a season like the rest. The 2021 season will be atypical, as it's everything in the world right now.
Instead of 82 games, the NBA regular season will have 72 matches per team to make it to the playoffs in time to avoid overlapping with the Olympics. But the greater news is that, by starting on December 22, the NBA season will have its full Christmas slate for us fans craving to watch and bet on the best basketball in the world.
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Let's see what the NBA 2021 Season Christmas slate brings us.
Now, the NBA hasn't revealed any official Christmas schedule yet, but NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, has posted the tentatively planned games, so let's take a look at the five games taking place on Christmas day.
New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat
12:00 PM ET
A lowkey exciting matchup. Young core led by the sensational Zion Williamson will visit the NBA Finals runner-ups against another young, exciting team like the Miami Heat.
Williamson is joined by Brandon Ingram, who just signed a max contract extension, plus the great passing ability of Lonzo Ball and the fast-paced Pelicans are always fun to watch.
As for the Heat, they are probably the most exciting basketball team in the NBA right now. They can shoot from another planet, they have exceptional leaders in Jimmy Butler, Goran Dragic, and Andre Iguodala, plus young ballers like Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, and Duncan Robinson.
What a way to start Christmas day.
Golden State Warriors at Milwaukee Bucks
2:30 PM ET
This should be a massive game. Unfortunately, shooting guard Klay Thompson will miss the game and the whole season due to an Achilles injury.
However, with Steph Curry, Kelly Oubre, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and no.1 overall pick, James Wiseman, Warriors' starters are very exciting.
As for the Bucks, two-time and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is back for them, and he is a man on a mission. His main core, with new additions DJ Augustin and Jrue Holiday in the backcourt, and reliable players like Khris Middleton and the Lopez brothers.
While the Warriors want to prove their dynasty isn't over, the Bucks want to reaffirm their dominance in the regular season.
Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics
5:00 PM ET
The highly-awaited Brooklyn Nets go at it against another Eastern Conference powerhouse when they visit the TD Garden to battle the Boston Celtics in one of the NBA's most mythical courts.
The Nets will finally see Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving together, the hype is big for them, championship or bust. However, the rest of the team is also pretty solid, the Nets were already a playoff team, and have Steve Nash, a brilliant basketball mind, as head coach with Mike D'Antoni as an assistant.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum just signed a max contract extension of $195 million. The all-star is back with Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Daniel Theis, plus a skillful sixth man in guard Jeff Teague; the Celtics have high expectations for this season, this is a must-win for them.
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers
8:00 PM ET
Two MVP candidates get a night game in Christmas when Luka Doncic visits LA's wild lights to face LeBron James and his Lakers.
Dallas has one of the best duos in the NBA with Luka and Porzingis, they can stretch the floor and shoot from the parking lot, plus have good role players.
As for the Lakers, reigning champions will have LeBron and AD there, but not only that, they have improved their roster, exchanging veterans like Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo for younger blood in Dennis Schroder and reigning sixth man of the year Montrezl Harrell.
This will be a game filled with Christmas highlights.
Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets
10:30 PM ET
What a way to end Christmas than a rematch from arguably the best playoffs series in the bubble. Kawhi Leonard and his Clippers are on a revenge tour this year after failing to live up to the hype last season, and on Christmas, they will have their first shot at payback vs. the Nuggets, who came back from a 1-3 deficit in the bubble.
Paul George has to prove his doubters wrong, and that he is primetime, as well as new coach Ty Lue, who needs to make people believe in this franchise as well.
On the other side, the Nuggets saw Jamal Murray solidify himself as a superstar last playoffs. He and Jokic are now an elite one-two punch combo.
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