Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches

Predicting NBA Christmas Day schedule, 5 ET: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics

Another playoffs rematch, because why not? The bad blood between Boston and Philadelphia, new and old, is palpable. The Celtics have ended the Sixers’ season a laughable number of times now. Last postseason was a pretty even fight — the Sixers were a quarter away from winning in six, but another classic Philly meltdown handed the Celtics another conference finals ticket.

There’s some uncertainty over just what the Sixers’ roster will look like next season. James Harden has demanded a trade and any attempt to keep him into the season could get dicey. That said, Joel Embiid isn’t going anywhere and getting the reigning MVP on Christmas Day feels like an absolute must.

Embiid will face new wrinkles in the Boston frontcourt. The Celtics loaded up on frontcourt talent with the trade for Kristaps Porzingis, a player who Embiid traditionally toasts on defense, but a player who also toasts Embiid going the other way due to his ability to stretch the floor. That’s a fun dynamic to introduce on St. Nick’s special day.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both experienced varying levels of success against Philly’s defense in the postseason, but Tatum’s epic 51-point Game 7 will live in the history books. The Sixers would hope to avoid a repeat on the national stage. Meanwhile, Embiid will look to avenge his putrid 15-point, four-turnover performance in the same game.

An ongoing rivalry with a historic precedent and two MVP candidates — what more can you ask for on Christmas? The Sixers play the Celtics better than the current narrative might suggest, but Boston continues to operate as a thorn in Philly’s side. This is good primetime programming.