10 NBA things to watch for on Christmas Day

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 7: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 7: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Paul George on James Harden

Reigning MVP James Harden currently leads the league with a career-high 31.8 points per game on 45.1 percent shooting. He’s had at least 30 points in six of his past seven games, including a 50-point triple-double against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 13.

He’ll face one of his greatest challenges on Christmas Day in the form of Paul George.

In the first matchup between Houston and OKC this season, George defended Harden for 32 of a possible 71 possessions. During that time, Harden had four points on 2-of-4 shooting, and the Rockets combined for only 25 points. In the 39 possessions in which another Thunder player guarded Harden, he notched 15 points on 5-of-15 shooting, while the Rockets scored 48 points in total.

George, who’s averaging a career-high 2.1 steals per game this season, again figures to draw Harden as his primary defensive assignment. The likes of Jerami Grant, Terrence Ferguson, Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder will take turns guarding Harden as well, but the Thunder will entrust their top wing defender to shut down the reigning MVP.

With Chris Paul sidelined by a hamstring strain he suffered Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers, even more of the offensive burden will fall upon Harden. If George can stifle him into another inefficient shooting night, the Rockets will likely need a masterful performance from Eric Gordon or Clint Capela to have a chance of stealing the victory.

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