NBA 2010 Schedule Release: A Stocking-Filled Christmas

The NBA has decided to unleash its stars for a very special Christmas Day.

This Christmas, the NBA will be combining the best of the East, the best of the West, and budding teams for a great show.

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, Amar'e Stoudemire, Brandon Roy, and Stephen Curry headline the event.

For god sakes, most of the Redeem Team is colliding on this day.

Christmas is a great day to be a basketball fan.
I'm sure all my fellow NBA-die hards will stay glued to the couch, watching this high definition display of talent.

So what are the match-ups and which are the best and most exciting?
Let's begin the unveiling.

#1-Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers

The match-up of a century.
Kobe Bryant. Lebron James. Dwyane Wade. Chris Bosh. Pau Gasol.

Undoubtedly the most star-studded Christmas gift for basketball fans every where.

At this point in the season, Miami is looking to be riding high in the East, while Los Angeles has a repeat in their scopes.
One of the few regular season games that matter, these Eastern and Western Conference behemoths will have a nation glued to their televisions.

#2-Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

Two of the projected top three Eastern Conference are set to square off on Christmas Day.

The potential #2 and #3 seeds of the East are in for a Christmas day battle. Two of the best defensive teams, with championship ambitions will collide at the top of the Eastern Conference.

In the '09 playoffs, Orlando ousted the Kevin Garnett-less Celtics in 7 dramatic games.
In '10, the Celtics came out strong against Orlando, shooting out to a 3-0 lead, and ultimately ending the series in six.
The Magic will get their first shot at redemption on Christmas Day.

Also, apparently Shaq is close to closing a deal with the Celtics, adding another superstar name to a colossal Christmas Day.

#3-Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder

The seasoned vets vs. The young guns.

Another star-studded match-up, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets are sure to put on a show.

Denver is getting George Karl back and is looking to build on the '09 playoff run that took them all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
Oklahoma City was one put-back layup away from forcing the champion Lakers to a tough game seven.

Denver, built on the backs of Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony, are looking to be back on top of the West.
Oklahoma City, riding Kevin Durant's leadership and Russell Westbrook's athleticism, hope to join the "best of the West" discussion.

However the season plays out, expect these teams to bring the right mindset to the hardwood on Christmas Day.

#4-The Chicago Bulls at the New York Knicks

Two teams that look dramatically different after offseason '10.

Chicago added Carlos Boozer. New York acquired Amar'e Stoudemire.

Two teams that have made big changes to their lineup are ready to show America how much better they are. And there is no better stage.

If you love basketball, you want to see how Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer run the pick-and-roll.
If you love basketball, you want to see Amar'e and Mike D'Antoni reunited at Madison Square Garden.

Two talented teams, each will deliver an athletic, fast, entertaining game for basketball fans everywhere on Christmas Day.

#5-Portland Blazers at Golden State Warriors

Portland is predicted to be on of the top teams next season.
A past season marred with injuries all the way into the playoffs, Portland is looking to further their dominance in the West.

Golden State is making moves to head north on the Western Conference power rankings.
And signing David Lee wasn't a bad way to do so.

The only Christmas game with a predictable ending, both teams are still sure to put on a show.
With players like Stephen Curry, one of the newest budding stars in the league; Monta Ellis, a human-highlight film; Brandon Roy, a proven superstar; there's no way this game won't be entertaining.

I, personally, will be cheering for the underdog in this battle, but I would also love to see Portland operate at the highest level it's capable of.
A spectacle at the Oracle, I expect both teams to play hard.