NBA on Christmas 2011: Full Preview, TV Schedule, Predictions and More
Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry.
No, I'm not listing the the NBA All-Star teams—I'm listing the superstars who will stuff our stockings on Christmas Day.
Finally, tipoff is upon us, and it will certainly bring holiday cheer to everybody who has been waiting for their NBA basketball.
Each game brings something unique, and we're going to break down the whos, whats, wheres, whens and whys of all of them.
Knicks vs. Celtics
Where: Madison Square Garden
When: 12 p.m. EST
Watch: TNT
Betting Line (according to Sportsbook): Knicks -3.5
What's at Stake?
Although it is the beginning of the season, this will be a good barometer for both teams going into the winter. We know the Celtics are much older, and the back-to-back games are going to hurt them as the season moves on, but it is important to see how they matchup fresh with a new-look Knicks' team they swept last postseason.
New York is looking to make a big move up in the East, but if they can't handle the Celtics they'll have trouble pulling it off.
Who's Hurt?
Billy Walker, G, Knicks - Questionable (Groin)
Jared Jeffries, PF/C, Knicks - Questionable (Calf)
Baron Davis, PG, Knicks - Out (Back)
Paul Pierce, G/F, Celtics - Questionable (Heel)
Jeff Green, PF, Celtic - Out (Heart)
What to Watch
The biggest things with the Knicks is how they handle bringing the basketball up court and how they defend. In their two preseason games against the Nets, we saw Carmelo Anthony even handling some point forward duty, and that gives New York the freedom to let either Toney Douglas or rookie Iman Shumpert primarily focus on getting open and then finding Rajon Rondo.
Rondo's ability to create for himself going to the basket can be neutralized with Tyson Chandler in the middle, but the Knicks perimeter defenders need to be able to defend Pierce and Allen.
Look for Melo to dominate when the Knicks have the ball and look for the Celtics to work Pierce and Allen for open looks.
Prediction: Knicks 98, Celtics 95
Heat at Mavericks
Where: American Airlines Center
When: 2:30 p.m. EST
Watch: ABC
Betting Line: Heat -4.5
What's at Stake?
Finals rematches are always fun, especially since the Heat will be able to watch the Mavericks raise their championship banner into the rafters.
There is nothing much at stake between these two other than excitement.
Miami is the favorite to win it all this year, and the Heat certainly like to get off to a fast start.
The Mavs need to show they won't go into a hangover from their title run.
Who's Hurt?
Shane Battier, F, Heat - Questionable (Quad)
Eddy Curry, C, Heat - Questionable (Hip)
Mike Miller, G, Heat - Out (Hernia)
Eddie House, G, Heat - Out (Knee)
Delonte West, G, Mavericks - Questionable (Illness)
What to Watch
This has been an interesting offseason for LeBron James and company. LBJ has reportedly been working on his post game, whether he opts to show it on opening day remains to be seen. But if he does, it will be a great snapshot of what the Heat will be able to do if he proves to be a scoring threat in the post. Wade is still going to do his thing, but this offense will be 10 times better if LeBron is true post threat.
The Mavericks need to find a way to replace the losses of key title team members. Tyson Chandler, DeShawn Stevenson and J.J. Barea are all out of the picture as is Caron Butler (who was injured).
Dallas is naturally going to lean on Dirk, but this team needs to show it can still play defense without Chandler and Stevenson, or teams will learn how to exploit them early.
Prediction: Heat 101, Mavericks 93
Bulls at Lakers
Where: Staples Center
When: 5 p.m. EST
Watch: ABC
Betting Line: Not Listed
What's at Stake?
Not much. The Lakers could be without their best player and their center. We won't get a true look at them because of this, although there is a good chance Andrew Bynum gets hurt again this year, so the Lakers are going to want to find someone else they know they can lean on.
The Bulls are simply trying to pick up where they left off and then some.
Who's Hurt?
Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers - Questionable (Wrist)
Andrew Bynum, C, Lakers - Out (Suspended)
What to Watch
Derrick Rose vs. Kobe Bryant (assuming he plays)—this has the makings of a one-on-one holiday showdown, should Kobe be able to play.
Rose, the league's reigning MVP, carried his team offensively last season. With the addition of Richard Hamilton, he might actually have some scoring help on the perimeter. It will be important to get Rip involved early.
For the Lakers, it will be important just to see who else can do what. We know what Kobe and Gasol can do, but who is going to step up for this team in the absence of Lamar Odom, Josh McRoberts or Metta World Peace?
Get them involved and see what they can do.
Prediction: Bulls 105, Lakers 97
Magic at Thunder
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena
When: 8 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN
Betting Line: Thunder -7.5
What's at Stake?
Prime time showing for Dwight Howard and the Thunder. The Magic big man is the biggest name left on the trade market right now. Many people have wondered what his play will be like this season after putting up MVP-esque numbers a year ago. This is an opportunity to send a message.
And for the Thunder, a team many people are rallying behind as the potential No. 1 seed in the West, it is important to show they can live up to that hype. The troubles late last season between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook need to be put aside immediately.
Who's Hurt?
No injuries to report.
What to Watch
Plain and simple, both teams' stars need to be exactly that: stars. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are the best duo in the West, and they can blow teams out of the water when they play together. Plus, added time with Kendrick Perkins is a huge bonus for them this time around.
As for Dwight, he knows what he has to do. Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson are going to get theirs, but winning ball games rests solely upon his insanely broad shoulders.
Prediction: Thunder 102, Magic 91
Clippers at Warriors
Where: Oracle Arena
When: 10:30 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN
Betting Line: Clippers -4.5
What's at Stake?
"Lob City" is set to take flight, and they could overtake the Lakers in the West on opening day.
The Warriors are likely to be without Stephen Curry, and this will certainly cause problems for them in keeping up with the potentially high-scoring Clips.
This is also only the second conference matchup of the day and technically playoff implications for both teams could factor in. In a shortened season every game counts.
Who's Hurt?
Eric Bledsoe, G, Clippers - Out (Knee)
Stephen Curry, G, Warriors - Doubtful (Ankle)
What to Watch
The Warriors were going to hard-pressed to win this game with Steph Curry; without him it is simply trouble.
We've seen the Clippers show what type of firepower they can bring to the court in only two preseason games, and the Warriors can only hope to contain it.
CP3, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are going to continue to get better and better with each and every lob pass completed.
Prediction: Clippers 110, Warriors 99
