NBA Schedule Release: Ranking all 5 Christmas Day games from worst to first

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) Defends. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) Defends. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

4. Dallas Mavericks @ Phoenix Suns

This was tough, slotting the new-looks Phoenix Suns and Luka Doncic and his Dallas Mavericks fourth. In terms of excitement, this game could ultimately be the most exciting game of the day, or it could be a blowout with either team on the receiving end. Because it is August, there is no way to know for certain.

With that said, Doncic and Kyrie Irving vs. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, it is clear why this contest is slotted into a primetime spot.

3. Philadelphia 76ers @ Miami Heat

The reigning Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat will get to spend Christmas in South Beach this season, facing the reigning NBA MVP in Joel Embiid, talk about a holiday treat, at least for those in attendance and those viewing at home.

The game has the potential to be the slowest-paced contest on Christmas, but that does not mean it will be lacking in excitement. Fourty-eight minutes with Jimmy Butler and Embiid, two of the league’s loudest personalities, sounds like a gift for all NBA fans.