The 2021-2022 season ended on June 16, and the Golden State Warriors crowned as NBA champions. However, in the aftermath of the season, it became clear that the team was motivated by the critics and their rivals. At the post-game conference after winning the title, Klay Thompson referred to a tweet from Jaren Jackson captioned “Strength in numbers” which is one of the Warriors’ slogans. Jackson was seemingly mocking the Warriors after a 123-95 blowout win in March by the Grizzlies. Klay called Jackson a “freaking bum” for sending out the tweet. Ja Morant responded with a tweet stating “rent-free”. Finally, Draymond Green jumped into the fray with a clap-back tweet stating, “we traded that real estate. The property value was higher in Boston.” Finally, the Twitter beef was settled when a fan suggested that the teams square off on Christmas Day and Morant ended the conversation with the words “tell em book that. Im on yo block”. We hope the schedule makers agree to the social media challenge. However, it had us thinking about the most intriguing slate of games for the most important day on the basketball calendar. In this article we will give you the top five matchups that fans will want to see.
Nets vs Sixers-12pm ET
In the past few years, the first game has included the Raptors, Knicks, and Hawks but these teams would not qualify to be on the slate based on last season. I will admit that the Heat deserves consideration to appear on this schedule but I don’t see a natural rival for them to make it into the slate. Also, Nikola Jokic is the back-to-back MVP but his Nuggets team has a similar issue to the Heat.
Therefore, with that said, the best game to start the slate is the matchup of the Nets and Sixers. The two teams played after the trade deadline when the teams traded superstars with Harden going to the Sixers and Ben Simmonds headed to the Nets. The Nets dominated the Sixers in that matchup but Simmonds did not play in the game but was seated on the bench. A Christmas day matchup would be must-see television with a healthy Simmonds playing and returning to face a raucous atmosphere in Philadelphia. Another intriguing storyline is to see the head-to-head matchup between Harden face Kyrie Irving who has little love for how things ended in Brooklyn. This game will be a slam dunk gold.
Bucks vs Celtics-2:30pm ET
These two teams met last season on Christmas Day with the Bucks winning 117-113. In that matchup, the Celtics had only eight players available due to Covid protocols and led the game for 47 minutes. In fact, the score was 102-90 with just over 10 minutes when Giannis ignited a comeback. The intrigue of this matchup intensified because the Celtics eliminated the Bucks in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Bucks will feel aggrieved that Khris Middleton missed the series and will be out for revenge at the TD Garden to set the record straight. Giannis vs Tatum feels like a headline matchup potentially for the next decade.
Suns versus Mavericks-5 pm ET
The Phoenix Suns will be counting the days until they face the Dallas Mavericks. Why not make it on December 25th! The Suns were embarrassed by Luka and company on their home floor in Game 7 to lose by over 40 points. Chris Paul and Devin Booker received deserved criticism for a lackluster performance, and questions remain about whether this Suns team squandered their best chance of winning a title. Luka Doncic deserves to be on the national stage and spotlighted in this game. The acquisition of Christian Wood makes them serious contenders for next season, and I expect a playoff-level intensity from both teams.
Grizzlies versus Warriors-7:30 pm ET
I think Draymond and Ja will get their wish in the primetime matchup on the holiday slate. The Grizzlies have proved they are legit with a core of young players and getting that bitter taste from the loss in the playoffs. The team moved from being in the play-in game to becoming the 2nd seed last season. The team showed its depth with a 21-6 record without Ja last season, and I expect him to elevate his game further as a budding superstar. On the other hand, the Warriors are position to repeat with their core players and a nucleus of young players whose confidence will be sky high after getting their championship rings. I expect this game to be physical and hard-fought as both teams don’t like each other.
Lakers versus Clippers-10 pm
The late-night cap for our East coast audience will be the battle for Los Angeles. On the West coast, the time slot would be perfect for families to gather around the television for primetime. If Paul George and Kawhi Leonard return healthy, the Clippers are a legitimate threat in the Western Conference. The acquisition of John Wall off waivers makes them one of the deepest teams in the league. On the other hand, there is uncertainty about whether first-year coach Devin Hamm can turn things around for the Lakers. We don’t know how management will reshape the team in the off-season. However, the appeal of Lebron on the NBA’s biggest day is a must-have for basketball fans. Yes, both teams will be playing hard to send an early message to their crosstown rival.