25 Predictions for the 2011-12 NBA Christmas Schedule and Opening Day

If the NBA is trying to win back the casual fan this season after a dreadful lockout, it's safe to say it is off to a great start.

With an exciting schedule to greet us on Christmas, opening day is filled with plenty of superstars and teams primed to make a big playoff run.

This includes a rematch of the first-round playoff series in 2010-11 between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics and concludes with a potential highlight-reel game with the Golden State Warriors going up against the breakout Los Angeles Clippers.

There is no shortage of action in between, as we will be treated to a rematch of the dramatic NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and champion Dallas Mavericks, as well as see MVP Derrick Rose lead a surging Chicago Bulls team back into contention.

The season is almost here, and it's time to speculate about what's to come, so feel free to post a comment and leave your predictions for the much-anticipated year.

Chris Paul Has 15 Assists for the Revamped Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Paul has landed in Los Angeles—just not with the initial team he was traded to. After a declined trade kept the floor general out of purple and gold, the Clippers picked him up to start alongside Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin.

With plenty of targets to dish to, Paul will prove his status as an elite point guard and leader by dropping dimes all night.

"Lob City" will begin in big fashion, as DeAndre Jordan and Griffin will throw down at least two alley-oops each from Paul's hands.

The Clippers are expected to contend in a shaky Western Conference, so there is no better way to gain momentum than some big plays from big players.

Only One Knick or Celtic Scores 20 Points or More

With only two games for each team in preseason play, it's likely that teams could come out looking sluggish. Considering this is the opening game of the NBA season, we hope this is not the case.

Boston has a balanced offensive attack with plenty of options to lead the team in scoring, but is another team that could face depth issues with the unfortunate loss of Jeff Green for the year. It would be surprising to see the Celtics' "Big Three" play extended minutes so early in a cluttered season.

As for the Knicks, chemistry has to be questioned. This is a team that brought in plenty of new talent via free agency, but let's not forget Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony did have some time together last season.

My vote goes to Anthony to get around 25 points, while the next closest scorer puts in 18 for either team.

LeBron James Goes for a Triple-Double

He's got the most talent of any player in the NBA, yet he had a poor showing on the biggest stage of them all. In an attempt to rebuild his image and silence critics, LeBron James is going to explode this game.

Not many players in history are as big of a triple-double threat as LeBron, as he continues to average impressive numbers when it comes to rebounds and assists. James has to know that he must have a big game to jump-start the season for the contending Heat.

With that said, there is no better way than putting in a big day to help your team avenge a bitter ending to a promising season.

Side prediction: James throws in 12 points in the fourth quarter.

The Thunder-Magic Game Will Become Talk About a Dwight Howard Trade

Let's face it: Dwight Howard will be the talk of the season whether he is traded or not. Love it or hate it, trade talk is going to dominate the commentary until something happens.

However, remember that this could turn out to be an exciting game, so you might want to watch this one with the television muted.

New York Gets No Production from the Guards

Mike Bibby and Toney Douglas will have no effect against elite defender Rajon Rondo—there is no room for argument on that one.

As for the shooting guard position?

Landry Fields is good and has the tools needed to be a key player in a playoff run, but the stars will be the biggest story of this game.

The Celtics are a solid defensive team and will likely not allow a big game from any of the New York Knicks' average guards.

However, remember the name of rookie Iman Shumpert, as he has the ability to really be a stud and develop into an eventual starter.

Los Angeles Shows a Weakness in Depth

That's right—a picture of Luke Walton.

Well, who else does Los Angeles have off the bench?

Metta World Peace doesn't count. Don't ask why.

Lamar Odom Impresses in Debut, Vince Carter Struggles

The Dallas Mavericks became felons when they clearly stole Lamar Odom from the Los Angeles Lakers, giving them a versatile forward with a knack for big games. Seeing him make a promising appearance and give the Miami Heat fits is to be expected.

I see at least a double-double coming, as he will have to pick up a large amount of the defensive responsibility that Tyson Chandler left behind, along with the ability to have his way with Chris Bosh or whoever guards him.

As for Vince Carter, who guards him?

Both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are lockdown defenders who can shut down an immobile, aging guard who will likely hang around the perimeter.

Carter is one injury away from being out of the NBA and doesn't possess the athleticism that once made him exciting. Sure, he has a reliable jumper, but seeing Carter average 15 points a night could be a dream at this point.

Derrick Rose Begins His Reign as MVP in Big Fashion

Derrick Rose became the youngest player ever to win the NBA MVP award last season and is still becoming a better teammate.

Against Los Angeles, Rose remains head-and-shoulders above any player who will guard him and should be primed for a nice showing against another championship-caliber team.

It might not be the statistics that Rose showcases Sunday, but instead his knack for making his surrounding cast better. That's a true gift every point guard craves; luckily for D-Rose he already has it.

The Bulls are a top team in the Eastern Conference and are led by possibly the best point guard in the NBA. He will show why on Christmas Day.

Andrew Bynum's Absence Will Play the Biggest Role in Team Struggles

Andrew Bynum will start serving his four-game suspension for his actions toward J.J. Barea in the 2010-11 NBA playoffs. Not only is this a big blow for Los Angeles, it also could be disastrous against an extremely talented Bulls frontcourt.

The Lakers arguably had the best combination of big men in the NBA last season when healthy, but the loss of Lamar Odom will really show its effect on both ends of the floor.

Let's hope that Bynum will learn from his actions and come back as a more mature player. However, the Lakers will have to suffer for now.

Miami Dominates the Paint Game

To put this in simple fashion: The loss of Tyson Chandler for the Mavericks cannot be talked about enough.

No player was bigger in the NBA Finals besides Dirk Nowitzki, and no one else can contain the strong rim attack of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Who can? Brendan Haywood?

Maybe a few years ago, but not now...

Dwight Howard Goes for 30-15 Against the Oklahoma City Thunder

Dwight Howard picked Oklahoma City apart last season in their two meetings and will likely do so again. The Thunder will be much improved defensively over the course of the season, but having to deal with the best center in the NBA right away doesn't do this justice.

While some tend to think Howard will come out distracted or even unmotivated until traded or signed elsewhere, his competitive nature will not let him get rattled.

Kendrick Perkins will not contain Superman, and Howard will have a strong game in an effort to keep the talk in Orlando based on the games themselves.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Show Improved Chemistry

The tandem of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook hit a bump in the road during the Western Conference finals last season. Talk of any trade shipping Oklahoma City's point guard out of town will be put on the back burner as he shows maturation as an overall player.

Although Westbrook questionably took over games in the fourth quarter, it's not necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it shows just how confident the 23-year-old is on the court and just what the team needs to work on.

Chemistry is everything in the sport of basketball, but the young core in Oklahoma City has plenty of time to come together.

Monta Ellis Has the Highest Point Total of Any Player on Christmas Day

Monta Ellis will have to put personal distractions aside for the Golden State Warriors to remain competitive. With the injury to Stephen Curry, this only furthers the case.

No player on the Clippers roster can stop Ellis on a consistent basis, and he could possibly be the spoiler of the welcoming party.

Ellis can score in many ways and will at least drop 40 points to put a nightcap on Christmas Day.

J.J. Redick Hits Five Shots from Downtown

I'm high on the former Duke standout this season based on the role he will play in Orlando. With an ever-improving jumper, J.J. Redick could average around 15 points a night for the year.

At 27 years old, it's clear what J.J. gets paid to do. Hitting from long range is his forte, and he will show it against a young Oklahoma City team.

Redick could go for more than five three-pointers Sunday, but he will lead all players from any team on opening day.

James Harden Begins His Quest for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award

This is more of a season prediction than anything, but James Harden will impress enough early for fans and the media to give him attention immediately.

He has favorable matchups against the Orlando Magic on offense and could be the breakout player of the day with 20 or more points.

While Oklahoma City has two players capable of averaging 30 points a night, Harden must be a strong third option all season long.

Could Harden perhaps win the Most Improved Player Award as well?

Oh, and on a side topic: Who has the better beard between Harden and San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson?

Dirk and Wade Both Go off for 30 Points

Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade are now even when it comes to NBA Finals victories against each other, and both remain the best players around at their respective positions. Throw in the fact that they have been fixtures in their current organizations for their whole careers, and we could have a statement battle in the making.

With Dirk being one of the hardest players in NBA history to shut down, it doesn't help Miami's case considering it has no one on the roster to take on the tough assignment. Nowitzki has made a living off crazy fadeaway jumpers and his shooting touch, and nothing will change this year.

On the other hand, Wade is one of the craftiest scorers around. He has never been known for his shooting ability; instead, he is a streaky scorer who can get to the rim at will or draw plenty of fouls.

To see these two All-Stars combine for 70 or 80 points is not out of the question.

Kobe Bryant Has Less Than 20 Points

During two games against a tough defensive team in Chicago last year, Kobe Bryant averaged 21.5 points a game on 41 percent shooting. That's not the worst showing Kobe could have had, but he is a star that is currently injured and frustrated.

The lack of a preseason will cause Kobe to get off to a slow start, but saying he will be down for a long time is not the most logical thing in the world.

The Bulls will put a lot of focus on Bryant, forcing him to feed the ball inside to his talented big men.

Tyson Chandler Pulls in 15 Rebounds

New York desperately needed a defensive presence. This makes Tyson Chandler the best free-agent acquisition for any team during the short offseason.

After being one of the biggest factors for the Dallas Mavericks in winning a championship last season, Chandler will come out and prove it was no fluke.

He will likely not be a huge contributor on the offensive end of the court, but Chandler was brought in to clean the glass and be a stopper.

Every NBA All-Star Starter Will Play on Christmas Day

Eastern Conference starters: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard.

Western Conference starters: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant and Andrew Bynum.

Talk about a star-studded Christmas Day schedule...

Clippers and Warriors Combine for at Least 250 Points

This game consists of two teams with the potential to have high-scoring arsenals and playoff appearances. It also gets my vote for the most exciting game on Christmas Day.

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will begin their road of attempting to become the best duo in the NBA and should get a lot of help from a new supporting cast.

With Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler looking to prove their worth, look for them to be the biggest difference-makers in a Clippers victory.

Golden State will impress but come up short in a highlight-reel duel.

Wow, who would have thought a Clippers and Warriors game could be relevant again?

Oklahoma City Tops the Orlando Magic in a Lopsided Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder are my pick to win the Western Conference this season, and there is no doubt they have the best core of young players in the NBA.

With role players like Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins pulling their weight, the Thunder will show how well-balanced and dangerous they can be against worthy opponents.

Dwight Howard will not be enough to help the Magic to a victory, but it will be interesting to see just who steps up to provide support.

Bulls Charge Forward by Demolishing Los Angeles

No Andrew Bynum. A confused Pau Gasol. An injured Kobe Bryant.

Ouch.

The young Bulls will pounce on the distracted Los Angeles Lakers, who could be headed for a downfall this season.

Led by Derrick Rose, Chicago will receive help from a newly signed Rip Hamilton and familiar faces like Joakim Noah and Luol Deng.

Big things are in store for the Bulls, and it starts with a huge win against the Lakers.

New York Wins a Low-Scoring Game by Three Points or Less

New York will get off to a solid start and get a regular-season win over the team that swept it in the 2010-11 NBA playoffs.

While New York is banking on being a offensive powerhouse to win games, let's not forget that no team allowed fewer points per game last year than the Celtics. Boston knows how to play a team-based game, which keeps it competitive in games against elite teams, but at what point will the age concern take effect for the contending Celtics?

The Knicks will squeak out a close one behind Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, continuing the surge to make basketball relevant again in the city of New York.

Miami Ruins the Party with a Win in Dallas

Dallas shocked the world last year by upending the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, but that is now history. This is a team that has a new look to it that will take time to come together.

While Dallas will once again be a team with smart veterans, the Heat are younger, hungrier and more talented at this point. After a treacherous start to the 2010-11 season, Miami starts the season off with a bang by avenging an NBA Finals loss.

Fans Rejoice, Remember Why They Love the NBA

If you are anything like the fan in the video, you can't wait for the basketball season to start. Also, how were we lucky enough for the camera to randomly zoom in on this fella for the highlight of the NBA season?

OK, that was beside the point, but still...

Fans around the world who lost faith in the NBA and committed to not watching the season, it's not too late to embrace the game.

For those who patiently waited and were eager in anticipation, it's now time for what we have all been waiting on.

Basketball is back, and the world seems like a better place.

Enjoy the games, everyone, and happy holidays!