NBA

Your Guide to the 2014 NBA Christmas Games

Every Christmas, the NBA gives us the best gift of all: five games to enjoy from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. This year’s slate has something for everyone, from LeBron James’ first trip to Miami since jilting the Heat to Steve Kerr’s unstoppable Warriors storming into LA for a Pacific Division showdown with the Clippers that’s sure to be a better nightcap than a tall glass of spiked eggnog. Let’s just hope Santa’s dropping NBA tickets into your stocking.

Washington Wizards at New York Knicks (12:00 pm ET)

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

With Bradley Beal back in the lineup, the Wizards now sport the best backcourt in the Eastern Conference, and Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks are going to have their hands full trying to score points on the best defense in the East (in terms of points allowed). The good news? There’s no better place to catch a basketball game on Christmas than Madison Square Garden. Get into the spirit of the season with Knicks tickets this Xmas.

Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (1:30 pm CT)

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Thunder got an advance lump of coal in their stocking when they lost both Durant and Westbrook before the season, but they’re coming back strong now that they’re at full strength and the always reliable Spurs will be ready to put up a fight in a battle that could definitely be a precursor to a playoff matchup in April. It’s going to be a barn-burner down in San Antonio, so grab your Spurs tickets early.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat (5:00 pm ET)

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Heat tickets are the hottest present in Miami this year as fans in South Beach can’t wait to boo LeBron in his very first trip back down to Florida to take on his former team. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are still lighting it up, but the new Big Three of LeBron, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving will do their best to make this a Christmas game to remember.

Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls (7:00 pm CT)

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like the Grinch has been thwarting the Lakers all season and they’ll need a Christmas miracle to take down the charging Bulls who keep losing players to injury but winning anyway. Jimmy Butler’s asking for a trip to the All-Star Game for Christmas this year and with the way he’s been playing, he’s bound to get it. The United Center is sure to be rockin’ this Christmas, so score Bulls tickets while you can.

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 pm PT)

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The best Xmas game this year features the Splash Brothers heading down the coast to visit CP3 and the Clippers at the Staples Center. Their first meeting saw the Clips getting blown out and Blake Griffin will do everything short of flying a sleigh to stop Steve Kerr’s Warriors from tasting victory again. Clippers tickets are going to be hard to come by, but that’s what Santa’s for, right?

Don’t just go to the watch the game. Experience it live. Check out ScoreBig.com, where you can save up to 60% below box office price on NBA tickets and more. You save on every ticket, every day.

By Jason Kessler

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