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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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 16: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after scoring during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 16, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 128-105. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

6. Will Jimmy Butler close the gap against the Celtics?

Before the Philadelphia 76ers traded for Jimmy Butler in early November, the Boston Celtics had their number.

The Sixers entered the 2018-19 season with revenge on their minds after the Celtics bounced them from the second round of the playoffs in five games. Instead, Boston spanked Philly on opening night, 105-87, with a well-balanced effort that featured five double-digit scorers.

With Butler now in Philadelphia, the Sixers have three of the top four players in the matchup between these two teams. Butler also gives them both a much-needed offensive closer and an on-ball wing stopper who can harass the likes of Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving.

The Sixers offense has a tendency to bog down against the Celtics in no small part because they lacked someone who could create both for himself and others. (In theory, Markelle Fultz was supposed to be that player, but… welp.) Boston has the bodies to throw different looks at Joel Embiid, sags off Ben Simmons and dares him to shoot, and stays glued to shooters through screens to prevent Philly’s beloved dribble handoffs.

On Christmas, the Sixers will get their first chance to see whether Butler will fix what ailed them against the Celtics in the playoffs and on opening night.

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