The 2022-23 season will continue a tradition that was established since 1947: the NBA will host five games on Christmas Day. The games will be airing on ABC and ESPN.
NBA on Christmas Day has been a staple for sports fans because it’s known for its signature magical moments that make it one of the biggest draws of the season.
Oddsmakers at online sportsbook, BetUS.com say they are preparing for perhaps the most bet-on Christmas Day NBA series in history, as a record-setting arctic blast and severe weather are expected to keep sports fans indoors.
Starting at noon ET, the opening game will be the Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, the first Eastern Conference rivalry game. Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid will bring the heat to Madison Square Garden while Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson will make sure to keep that W in NYC. Both teams are currently the hottest in the league and are positioned in the top half of the Eastern Conference playoffs board.
At 2:30p.m. ET, the Dallas Mavericks will host Lebron James and the Lakers. James is known to play great on Christmas, but Doncic always delivers. Although both teams have struggled in the season and are currently battling for a spot on the playoffs, we’re expecting to see an amazing battle on the court.
At 5 p.m. ET, the Milwaukee Bucks will visit the Boston Celtics on what seems to be the hottest game of the day. Let’s not forget this is the first time both teams will meet after their seven-game battle on the Eastern Conference semifinals. Both teams hold the best records in the league, but this time around, both teams will have key players available to play: Khris Middleton (MIL) and Robert Williams III (BOS).
Night shift opens at 8 p.m. ET with a Curry-less Golden State Warriors hosting the Memphis Grizzlies, in a Western Conference semifinals rematch. This blooming rivalry might become a little more interesting with a Brooks vs Thompson matchup. Plus, with no Curry in sight, Ja Morant might give us a night to remember.
The last game of the day will have back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets host Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns at 10: 30 p.m. ET. Let’s not forget that the Suns swept Denver in a 2021 second-round playoff series and things got a little heated, causing Booker and Jokic to be separated. We’re ready for fireworks.
BetUS will offer a wide selection of game and player ‘prop’ bets on each of the Christmas Day games.
“NBA on Christmas Day brings playoff rematches as well as superstar matchups,” says Barry Barger, senior betting analyst for BetUS. “And with this crazy weather, it’s a perfect opportunity to share some quality family time, watch some great basketball and allow ourselves some holiday ‘indulgences!’” Barger concludes.