NBA Xmas Day storylines: LeBron James poised to break Kobe Bryant's record; leading 2 teams meet again

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Five marquee games get on this year's Xmas Day slate



Christmas is an exceptionally crucial day on the NBA schedule, as the holiday functions as a major showcase for the organization. This year, there will be 12 straight hours of activity spread out over five different video games, and a few of the organization's most popular players-- as well as groups-- will be featured. Because of this, there will certainly be no lack of attracting matches and fascinating storylines to help add some cheer to your day.

The NBA is navigating its method with a spike in COVID instances, but the Xmas Day games are still set to be played. Below's a look at the leading story for each of the 5 games arranged for Xmas Day.

Hawks vs Knicks (12 p.m. ET): A compelling rematch

The NBA's Xmas Day slate kicks off with a rematch of one of the a lot more interesting first-round playoff collection from last season, as the New York Knicks will certainly host the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks won that series in five games, with some included theatrics from Trae Young.

Provided the means things went down last season, it's risk-free to state that the Knicks will be seeking a bit of vengeance on Christmas Day. Neither group has actually left to a wonderful beginning to their existing project-- both teams are currently positioned on the perimeter of the jampacked playoff image in the Eastern Meeting. Absences and injuries have actually played a part in both team's slow-moving begins, however both will certainly be wanting to recuperate over the remainder of the season, and also a big win on Christmas would certainly stand for a strong start.

Celtics vs. Dollars (2:30 p.m. ET): Celtics looking for 3rd straight gain champs

Two Eastern Meeting enemies will go head-to-head when the Bucks host the Celtics in the second of 5 video games on Xmas Day. The Bucks might be the defending NBA champs, however the Celtics have actually obtained the best of them until now this period. The Christmas matinee will be the 3rd time that the two groups have actually met already this season, as well as the Celtics won both of the previous conferences.

They toppled the Bucks 122-113 in overtime in November, and then bested them again earlier this month many thanks to a monster 42-point performance from Jayson Tatum. The Celtics have had an up-and-down period so far, however the two triumphes over the Dollars attract attention as high points, as well as a third straight success over the defending champs certainly wouldn't injure the team's cumulative confidence.

Warriors at Suns (5 p.m. ET): A battle of the NBA's leading two groups

The teams with the two ideal records in the league are the Phoenix az Suns as well as Golden State Warriors, as well as those squads will challenge for the third time this period in the 3rd video game on Xmas Day. The Suns won the first conference in late November, while the Warriors evened the period series up simply a few days later on. So, this video game will function as a de facto tiebreaker for the time being, up until the teams satisfy for a 4th as well as final time in late March.

Each of these groups are excellent on both ends of the ball, which commonly leads to some quite engaging play. The Warriors and also Suns have the organization's best, and also second-best defenses, respectively, and they both likewise boast a top-10 crime. They're both also extremely deep, and also are led by recognized experts. This can conveniently be a preview of the 2022 Western Seminar finals, and also because of this it might show to be the day's most amazing competition.

Nets vs. Lakers (8 p.m. ET): LeBron eyes Xmas document

LeBron James will certainly have an opportunity to make some (even more) NBA history on Saturday. James gets in L.A.'s match with the Nets just 12 factors behind Kobe Bryant on the NBA's all-time Xmas scoring list. Below's a check out how the list currently stands, through NBA.com:
  1. Kobe Bryant-- 395 points in 16 video games (24.6 ppg on 40.8 FG%).
  2. LeBron James-- 383 factors in 15 video games (25.5 ppg on 48.4 FG%).
  3. Oscar Roberson-- 377 factors in 12 games (31.4 ppg on 47.0 FG%).
  4. Dwyane Wade-- 314 factors in 13 video games (24.1 ppg on 45.7 FG%).
  5. Kevin Durant-- 299 in 10 video games (29.9 ppg on 51.7 FG%).
  6. Shaquille O'Neal-- 272 points in 13 games (20.9 ppg on 53.3 FG%).
  7. Russell Westbrook-- 241 points in 10 video games (24.1 ppg on 38.7 FG%).
  8. Dolph Schayes-- 239 factors in 13 games (18.3 ppg on 48.0 FG%).
  9. Walt Bellamy-- 237 points in 9 video games (26.3 ppg on 76.8 FG%).
  10. Richie Guerin-- 232 in 9 video games (25.7 ppg on 53.6 FG%).
Offered the reality that James is averaging over 26 points per efficiency this season, he's most likely to score the 13 points essential to pass Bryant and end up being the NBA's all-time leading scorer on Dec. 25. Additionally, by appearing in the video game, James will certainly tie Bryant for the most Xmas Day looks with 16.

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