The NBA's given its fans five marquee match-ups to unwrap on Christmas Day. Here is Sports World News' rundown for what you can expect from each of them.
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks (12 noon EST)
The Wizards are one of the best stories in the East, while the Knicks are, without hyperbole, the most pitiful. At least the 76ers are trying to tank; the 5-25 Knicks actually entered the season with playoff aspirations. Carmelo Anthony will keep this close, but expect John Wall or lifetime Knicks-killer Paul Pierce to hit a key fourth quarter dagger to decide the game. [PREDICTION: Wizards 89, Knicks 85]
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
Too much Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. OKC flat-out needs this game more, as they continue to try and climb out of a deep hole in this year's stacked Western Conference against the defending NBA champions. [PREDICTION: Thunder 92, Spurs 86]
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
This is the league's signature Christmas Day match-up, as LeBron James makes his first return to South Beach after taking his talents back to Cleveland over the summer. After a rocky start, the Cavaliers are finally starting to round into peak-form. Chris Bosh and Kevin Love will be the game's marquee match-up -- whichever team controls the boards will take this contest.. Will King James seize the large spotlight of the moment with a huge statistical game? I say he does. [PREDICTION: Cavs 103, Heat 97]
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls
Kobe Bryant in one of his last-ever Christmas showcases? 40 field goal attempts from the "Black Mamba" is actually within the realm of possibility. And Tom Thibodeau's Bulls squad will let him take every single one, knowing it'll be their best path to victory. The Lakers' interior defense is an abomination -- expect Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol to have their own personal holiday feast in the paint. [PREDICTION: Bulls 99, Lakers 83]
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The NBA's best match-up is the one that the fewest amount of fans will watch. Their loss. Not only are these two of the best teams in the league, they're also the rivalry with the least love loss. There were multiple physical altercations when these teams met last Christmas, and there's no reason to believe this year's rematch will be any less grueling or confrontational. The real winners in this game are the intrepid fans who stave off their eggnog buzz long enough to enjoy this fourth quarter. [PREDICTION: Warriors 113, Clippers 111]
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