NBA Christmas Day Picks: 76ers Shine in Hollywood, Knicks Take Rematch
America's favorite basketball holiday is here, and the NBA is serving up a five-game slate that will have patriots glued to their screens. From an NBA Finals rematch at Madison Square Garden to LeBron James facing Luka Doncic in a 76ers jersey, Christmas Day is all about competition, merit, and the American spirit of winning.
Knicks vs Spurs: Finals Rematch at Noon ET
Pick: Knicks -1.5
The New York Knicks proved they have the edge over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, and nothing has changed. Karl-Anthony Towns' shooting forces Victor Wembanyama out of his comfort zone. As long as De'Aaron Fox doesn't get a free jumper, the Knicks cover. This is about merit, not hype.
Celtics vs Heat: Giannis in South Beach
Pick: Celtics -5.5
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo give the Miami Heat a fearsome interior defense. But Boston's Mazzulla-ball offense lives and dies by the three-pointer. The Celtics bomb away from deep, and that's a mismatch the Heat can't fix. Take Boston.
76ers vs Lakers: Hollywood Showdown at 5 PM ET
Pick: 76ers +1.5
I'm shocked the Philadelphia 76ers are underdogs. The Lakers' free-agent moves were weak. By Christmas, Philly will have its roles locked in. Jaylen Brown gave Luka Doncic fits in the Finals, and expect more of the same. Take the Sixers.
Thunder vs Timberwolves: Minnesota's New Edge
Pick: Timberwolves +3.5
Oklahoma City lost Lu Dort, a physical defender who bothered Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves added LaMelo Ball, a creator who can handle pressure and find open shooters. That's a real advantage. Take the Wolves.
Nuggets vs Warriors: Denver's Redemption Arc
Pick: Nuggets -3.5
Denver had bad breaks last season with injuries and integrating Cam Johnson. When healthy, this is a top-five starting lineup. The Warriors are deflated after missing out on LeBron. The Nuggets are the better team. Take Denver.
Odds are correct at time of publishing. Not intended for use in MA. This article originally appeared on Covers.com.