NBA: Ranking all 5 Christmas Day showdowns, headlined by Bucks-Celtics
By Alex Mcewen
No. 3: Memphis Grizzlies @ Golden State Warriors
If the Warriors were healthy and playing like the defending champions, this game could have easily been No. 1 on this list. However, Steph Curry will likely be in street clothes and the Warriors are currently under .500 and outside of the play-in tournament. Golden State already has three losses by at least 30 points this season, with two coming in the last week at the hands of the Knicks (38) and Nets (30.)
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, led by Ja Morant are quickly assending not only in the West, but in the league overall and appear to be getting ever so much closer to their first title in franchise history. Morant, the former second overall pick, has reached superstar level and he is not alone in Memphis.
The Grizzlies have built a formidable team centered around their superstar. In addition to Morant, their core includes Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. among others.
Unless a Christmas miracle occurs, the Grizzlies are going to win big inside Chase Center and celebrate the holidays happily.