We rank each of the NBA Christmas Day games to show you which you can’t miss
The NBA on Christmas Day has become a thing. Approximately 10 years ago, the NFL was still crazy enough to try to play a game on this, the biggest of holidays. Not any longer.
Christmas Day now belongs exclusively to the NBA. As such the league will trot out 10 of its most exciting teams (or at least 10 teams who promise to bring great television ratings). The largest television markets—New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, twice, are represented.
Many of the league’s best young players are featured: John Wall, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and the “Splash Brothers”, just to name a few.
Another interesting development in the Christmas Day game lineup—which began two years ago—is the use of unique Christmas Day uniforms. Last year’s editions were gawd-awful. Of course 2013-14 was the year of the shirsey in the NBA. As a final remembrance, that was the style of choice for Christmas Day.
Thankfully Christmas Day 2014 brings much more palatable specialty uniforms. In fact, this year’s digs are pretty sweet, as each one has the player’s first name in an attempt to copy the look of a Christmas stocking.
Dime Magazine published a handy piece with all 10 jerseys in the same article, here. That’s important, as we’ll refer back to that with each matchup. The jersey matchups will greatly impact the overall watchability of each Christmas Day game.
One final note before getting on to the actual rankings. Unlike last season (at least as well as I can remember), when the ESPN Family of Networks broadcast all five games, TNT takes over in Game 4 and into December 26 on the east coast. The broadcast team, as best as we can predict still six days out, also has an impact on the rankings for most watchable game.
Keep in mind not all matchups are created equal. These games were decided well in advance (like in July). The NBA would probably flex one or two off if they were able, and for goodness sakes find some way to include Anthony Davis (maybe next year ESPN)!
Next: Santa really brought coal for the morning stocking (game)?