The Keys to All 5 NBA Christmas Day Games

When the Knicks and Celtics tip off at Noon ET on Christmas Day, it will mark the first non-preseason NBA game since June 12 when the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat to win their first NBA Championship.

That means NBA fans have had to go for 168 days without a real NBA game—the longest since the NBA lockout in 1998-99. 

But now, NBA fans are unwrapping a five-game NBA day present that promises to be filled with excitement and drama.

Let's take a look at the keys to each of the five Christmas Day games starting with the Celtics in New York facing the Knicks.

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks

As Celtics star forward Paul Pierce is listed as doubtful for the Christmas clash with the Knicks, the rest of the "big four" are hoping they can pick up the slack and continue the dominance they've displayed in recent years over the Knicks including a four-game sweep in the first round of the playoffs last season.

That brings up the key of the game which will be can Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen produce the scoring that can make up for the absence of a dynamic scorer like Pierce.

We know that Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire are going to put up big numbers in the fast offense drawn up by head coach Mike D'Antoni, but it will be interesting to see if their defense can hold up against the Celtics.

But more specifically, can the Knicks perimeter defense hold up against the likes of Rondo and Allen?

KEY TO THE GAME: The Knicks ability to play tight perimeter defense.

Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks

It won't be any regular pregame on Sunday afternoon in Dallas.

The Miami Heat have to watch the Dallas Mavericks raise their NBA championship banner to the rafters before tip-off, and it's sure to remind them of the nightmare that the 2011 NBA Finals was for the Miami Heat.

As LeBron deservedly took the largest portion of the blame for Miami's loss to Dallas in the finals, look for him to try to come out and make a statement to Dallas and the rest of the NBA that he and the Heat are back to take what they thought should have been theirs last June.

The key to this game will be if the old backcourt of Dallas can slow down the Heat in transition. Keep in mind that they lost key contributors such as J.J. Barea and Deshawn Stevenson that were key in slowing down Dwyane Wade and James in the Finals.

KEY: The Heat being able to dominate the Mavericks in transition.

Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers

Earlier this week in the Los Angeles Lakers preseason opener against the Clippers, yet another chapter was added to the "Kobe Bryant hand injuries" story.

Kobe tore a ligament in his right wrist and once again will be forced to play through the pain with an injured wrist, and on top of it, he and the Lakers have to deal with the reigning MVP Derrick Rose and the athletic Chicago Bulls.

The key to this game will obviously be how Kobe reacts to having to play through the pain in his shooting hand.

KEY: If Kobe can have a productive shooting day while having to play through pain in his shooting hand.

Orlando Magic at Oklahoma City Thunder

While it's clear that the Thunder have a clear edge over the Magic in the backcourt, this game should be determined by how dominant Dwight Howard can be in the post.

The Thunder improved their post defense immensely last year when they acquired Kendrick Perkins before the trade deadline. He will be key in trying to contain Howard and keep his good position and offensive rebounds to a minimum.

KEY: If Kendrick Perkins can contain Dwight Howard in the post.

Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors

What has occurred in the last few weeks for the Clippers has helped spike interest for the team to an all-time high, and they even have some wondering if they are a stronger team than the Lakers.

While it might be a little soon to make that statement, the Clippers sure looked impressive while dominating the Lakers in both their preseason games.

This team has taken a new nickname, "lob city," as everyone expects there to be plenty of alley-oops thrown from new star guard Chris Paul and former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups to the young and athletic Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

The key in this game will be the ability for new head coach Mark Jackson's Golden State Warriors to stop the Clippers in transition and to limit their second-chance opportunities.

KEY: Golden State's ability to slow down the Clippers in transition.