NBA Christmas Day Preview: Ranking The Matchups

Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left) reacts as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (right) looks on in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left) reacts as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (right) looks on in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 5, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

2. Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 PM ET)

Matchup To Watch: Karl-Anthony Towns vs Steven Adams

The Minnesota Timberwolves may not be who most expected them to be this season. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that they are still one of the youngest and brightest teams in the Association.

This will be the first Christmas Day game of many for the trio of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine and who better to compete against than Russell Westbrook and his Oklahoma City Thunder.

Westbrook has been putting up monstrous stats all season long and fans should be excited to see what he’s saved for one of the best days in the NBA calendar.

In terms of individual matchups, we’re all going to get the chance to see two of the youngest and most talented centers battle it out down low. While Towns certainly has the greater potential, Adams has already shown in his short career that he can perform when it counts in the playoffs.

Whether you’re a fan of the Timberwolves young core, allured to the mystique of Russell Westbrook or just a fan of basketball, then this game is nearly as good as it gets.

Nearly.