One Player to Watch for in Each Christmas Day Game
We're less than 24 hours away from the long-anticipated, triumphant return of the NBA. With five games, and all teams with high expectations, it's going to be fun to keep the tube tuned into TNT, ABC and ESPN tomorrow.
That being said, expectations will extend not only from teams, but also players in the national media with something to prove as they enter the lockout-shortened season.
Here's five guys to look for tomorrow, and how their performance might impact the outcome tomorrow, and continue the rest of the way.
Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks
1 of 5The unquestioned emotional leader and defensive captain of the world champion Dallas Mavericks decided to pack it up and form his own big three in New York, with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.
Now that he is in one of the biggest sports markets, playing for one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, will he be able to bring the intensity and inside presence that made him the most sought-after free agent this offseason?
To top it off, he'll be facing known trash-talker Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics at 12 ET on TNT. Who knows what words and fists will fly during this matchup, as the Knicks look to take the baton from the aging Celtics in the Atlantic Division.
LeBron James, Miami Heat
2 of 5The King makes his long-awaited return to the court, and who should he face but the defending champs, on the road, as they prepare to raise the banner.
Emotions are going to run high in Dallas, as the Mavericks look to establish new chemistry with newcomers Vince Carter, Lamar Odom and Delonte West, while the Heat look to continue building around their big 3.
New addition Shane Battier will help, and this game could be an early statement game for Miami, who look to cement their status as Eastern Conference favorites on ABC at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
3 of 5The last time we saw Pau Gasol play meaningful basketball, his Lakers were getting swept out of the playoffs by the Mavericks as Andrew Bynum took his frustration out on J.J. Barea.
Since then, he's been on his way to the Houston Rockets twice, only to have the trade nullified by commissioner David Stern.
Now, it's up to him and Bynum to take the pressure off of Kobe Bryant as they take on reigning MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls at 5 p.m. ET on ABC.
With Kobe potentially injured and the Bulls and their new addition Rip Hamilton hungry to climb the latter in the East, the Lakers might be the most intriguing team to watch on Christmas Day.
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
4 of 5It seems like every time Dwight Howard is on his way out of Orlando, he and the Magic do a complete 180 and make sure everyone knows how wonderful their relationship is.
Watching him in preseason is worth more than any statement GM Otis Smith can make about Howard, and judging by that it seems only a matter of time before Howard finds himself in a new uniform with a new contract.
To make matters worse, they open up against Western Conference favorite Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are forming a formidable big three of their own, and Howard's attitude and intensity during this early season matchup with a contender might signal where his head is really at in regards to his days in Orlando.
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
5 of 5Who else to watch but CP3? All we've heard about during the lockout, after it, and on into training camp and preseason is how he and Dwight Howard were on the move.
Now that he is in LA and part of the recently coined "Lob City," he will take Blake Griffin and fellow new Clipper Caron Butler to Oracle Arena to face the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
New coach Marc Jackson will try to do what no one else in Golden State has seemed to accomplish—win with defense. All Warrior fans' eyes will be on Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis, who other than put up good numbers, have failed to prove that their partnership is worth anything more than a good show.
With Paul, when he's healthy and happy, his name is up there with the best in the league, and adding his team to early title conversation will only further hype as this season goes on.
