The league’s leaked slate of Christmas Day video games will function a number of heavy hitters.
Sources inform Shams Charania of The Athletic that, as ordinary, 5 video games will probably be broadcast, highlighted by a marquee matchup between two longtime Jap Convention foes, the revamped Sixers towards the Celtics. Boston, the reigning league champ, will host.
The schedule will probably be rounded out by a number of clashes between starry golf equipment, from veteran-laden squads to younger up-and-comers. The Spurs will journey to Madison Sq. Backyard to play the Knicks. A Western Convention finals rematch can be on the docket, because the Mavericks will host the Timberwolves.
The newly Klay Thompson-less Warriors will host the Lakers, and the Nuggets will journey to Phoenix to face the retooled Suns.
Philadelphia virtually fully overhauled its roster round incumbent All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The brand new additions are headlined by nine-time All-Star combo ahead Paul George, who signed a four-year, $211.6M deal to go away the L.A. Clippers. Philadelphia additionally signed seasoned free brokers like ahead Caleb Martin, middle Andre Drummond and capturing guard Eric Gordon, whereas additionally bringing again wing Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Celtics retained all of their very own key gamers after going 64-18 within the common season and 16-3 within the playoffs. A pair of recent extension offers for All-NBA ahead Jayson Tatum and All-Defensive Workforce guard Derrick White highlighted the group’s transactions, however longer-term uncertainty looms as proprietor Wyc Grousbeck is looking to sell the franchise.
Led by Rookie Participant of the Yr and impending Olympic medalist Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs determine to enhance on their paltry 21-61 report in 2023-24. The group signed former 12-time All-Star level guard Chris Paul to a one-year deal this summer season and traded for veteran combo ahead Harrison Barnes. San Antonio additionally used its No. 4 choose within the lottery on NCAA championship-winning UConn guard Stephon Castle, the 2023-24 Massive East Freshman of the Yr.
The Knicks, in the meantime traded for former All-Defensive small ahead Mikal Bridges this summer season to maximise their capacity to change on the wing. The group additionally re-signed free-agent ahead OG Anunoby to a long-term deal and free-agent middle/energy ahead Precious Achiuwa to a shorter-term deal, inked All-NBA level guard Jalen Brunson to a contract extension and introduced aboard veteran level guard Cameron Payne for further depth.
Recent off its NBA Finals look with star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Dallas added future Corridor of Famer Thompson away from the Warriors as a part of a sign-and-trade, whereas additionally buying younger guard Quentin Grimes from the Pistons. Dallas additionally signed free-agent wing Naji Marshall to a three-year deal.
After successful their first (two) playoff sequence in 20 years this spring, the Timberwolves traded for the draft rights to No. 8 choose Rob Dillingham and retained a number of of their very own free brokers.
Whereas Golden State did lose out on Thompson, the Warriors rapidly pivoted on the perimeter, signing free-agent guard De’Anthony Melton and signing-and-trading for free-agent wings Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield. The group is hoping to rebound from a end because the West’s No. 10 seed and a fast play-in match exit.
Denver let beginning capturing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stroll in free company and introduced in reserve guard Russell Westbrook.
The Suns employed title-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer and signed Tyus Jones to a steal of a veteran’s minimal contract. Phoenix additionally introduced again a number of of its personal free brokers, together with wings Josh Okogie and Royce O’Neale and Damion Lee. The group additionally inked free brokers Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris to minimal contracts.
Essentially the most questionable omission from all this Christmas scheduling is clearly the Thunder, who claimed the West’s No. 1 general seed final season and added ex-Knicks middle Isaiah Hartenstein by way of a profitable three-year, $87M deal. Oklahoma Metropolis additionally dealt underperforming guard Josh Giddey in alternate for All-Defensive wing Alex Caruso. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having completed because the MVP runner-up final yr and younger items Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams set to develop, the Thunder look poised to contend for the highest seed as soon as once more.
