The evolution of the Christmas Day sports activities calendar in the U.S. has given followers a respite in the event that they want a break from household gatherings or simply some leisure whereas they sip on eggnog.
This 12 months’s main occasions embrace 5 NBA video games and three NFL video games, with video games spanning greater than 12 hours.
Here’s a look at the premier matchups — in addition to a few you’ll be able to in all probability skip — whereas making ready to navigate the holiday.
Spurs at Thunder, 2:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC — Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are certainly one of the league’s up-and-coming groups, making the NBA Cup last before losing to the Knicks last week. The Thunder gained a championship final season and have the league’s greatest file this 12 months at 25-3. Adding a little spice: The Spurs knocked the Thunder out of the NBA Cup in the semifinals earlier this month.
Rockets at Lakers, 8 p.m., ESPN/ABC — Savor this one, as a result of it is laborious to consider we’ll have many extra alternatives to look at Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James, significantly on Christmas Day. The 37-year-old Durant retains pouring in buckets for the Rockets whereas the 40-year-old James continues to be enjoying at a excessive stage in his twenty third NBA season.
Timberwolves at Nuggets, 10:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC — Nothing unsuitable with this sport between two of the higher groups in the NBA’s Western Conference. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is popping in one other ridiculous season, averaging a triple-double for the Nuggets. They’ll face the Timberwolves, who’ve the high-flying and all the time entertaining Anthony Edwards.
Lions at Vikings, 4:30 p.m., Netflix — This is the greatest sport of a disappointing NFL slate, that includes a Lions group that must win in the event that they wish to preserve their slim playoff hopes alive. The division rival Vikings have had a irritating season, however would like to play spoiler and have gained their previous three video games.
Cavaliers at Knicks, 12 p.m., ESPN/ABC — The Knicks just won the NBA Cup and will have their greatest group in years due to the core of Jalen Brunson, Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges. They’ll face a Cavaliers group that is pale again to .500 this season after main the Eastern Conference with 64 wins final 12 months.
Broncos at Chiefs, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video — Well, this one appeared attractive a few months in the past, however the indisputable fact that Kansas City is eradicated from the playoff race and lost its top two quarterbacks to knee injuries has put a damper on the temper. On the optimistic facet, the Broncos have been certainly one of the greatest groups in the NFL and are attempting to remain forward of the Los Angeles Chargers and win the AFC West.
Mavericks at Warriors, 5 p.m., ESPN/ABC — Many Mavericks followers bought an early Christmas current when normal supervisor Nico Harrison — architect of the notorious Luka Doncic commerce — was fired earlier this season. The drawback is Dallas continues to be not enjoying effectively, by way of rookie Cooper Flagg’s enchancment is an encouraging signal. Warriors veteran star Stephen Curry is able to massive nights like his 48-point performance against the Blazers earlier this month, however Golden State’s glory days really feel like they’re coming to a shut.
Cowboys at Commanders, 1 p.m., Netflix — There might be loads of eyeballs on this sport simply because it is the Cowboys and the Commanders, however there’s not a lot right here when it comes to stakes. Both groups have been eradicated from the playoff race and Washington’s beginning QB Jayden Daniels is out for the season after aggravating an elbow harm in Week 14.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA, AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL