Just last week, the NBA released a teaser of some of the biggest matchups ahead on the schedule. The 2017 NBA schedule of games for the opening week and Christmas Day were revealed to fans and analysts to consume. It looks like the NBA is giving the great gift of basketball when December 25th rolls around later this year. Among the teams on the day's schedule will be the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers. If that's not enough, fans will get a major rematch from last year's NBA Finals. Here are the latest details on the five games scheduled for NBA Christmas Day 2017.
Cavs vs. Warriors rematch
Starting at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Christmas Day, the Philadelphia 76ers will take on the New York Knicks. ESPN will give the live telecast to fans where they may see two of the contenders for NBA Rookie of the Year. Philadelphia's No. 1 pick from two seasons ago, Ben Simmons, and last year's top pick, Markelle Fultz, are among early contenders. In addition, one question already on fans' minds will be "Is Carmelo Anthony going to be a NY Knicks team member or not?" It should provide an interesting Eastern Conference matchup.
At 3 p.m. Eastern Time, fans will be treated to ABC's start of a tripleheader. The opening game is one NBA fans won't want to miss as LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavs visit the reigning NBA Champion Golden State Warriors.
There's plenty of stories heading into the game right now, as Kyrie Irving's situation with the team seems unresolved. There's also the fact that this is a rematch of the best teams in the league from the past several seasons, and what could be yet another preview of the NBA Finals in 2018.
At 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics meet in their rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals that went the full seven games.
That game will be followed by Chris Paul, James Harden and the Rockets taking on NBA MVP Russell Westbrook and his new teammate Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder. That final game of ABC's tripleheader will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
Lonzo and the Lakers
To finish off Christmas Day, what a better gift than to see Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on Lonzo Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers.
There's been plenty of buzz about both teams ahead of the season, but which will be playing better as of this day? Also, will Lonzo Ball play well against pro competitors in his first season, or have stumbling points? Fans are certainly eager to see what he does.
That final game of the NBA Christmas Day schedule for 2017 comes at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. TNT will provide the live telecast to close out the day with some basketball cheer for the holidays. NBA fans have plenty to look forward to in addition to all of the fun, festivity, friends, and family of the Christmas season!