NBA Christmas Games 2021 Schedule, Highlights and Must-See Matchups

2025-11-20 12:01

As I sit here scrolling through the NBA Christmas Day schedule for 2021, I can't help but feel that familiar holiday excitement building up. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've come to appreciate how these Christmas matchups often serve as early playoff previews while giving us glimpses of teams that might make deep postseason runs. This year's slate features five compelling games that should keep basketball fans glued to their screens throughout the holiday.

The day kicks off with what I consider the most intriguing matchup - the Knicks hosting the Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Having watched Trae Young's development closely, I'm particularly interested to see how he performs under the bright lights of Christmas in New York. Last season's playoff series between these teams was absolutely electric, and I expect this game to carry similar intensity. The Knicks have shown significant improvement, and frankly, I think they're being underestimated by many analysts. Their defensive schemes under Tom Thibodeau could give Young trouble, but we all know how explosive the Hawks' offense can be when clicking.

What really fascinates me about Christmas games is how they often reveal team depth and resilience, much like we're seeing in the PBA Commissioner's Cup where key players like Chris Banchero and Brandon Bates have returned from injuries to bolster Meralco's playoff push. In the NBA context, these holiday games test teams' adaptability when dealing with the unusual schedule and pressure. The second game features the Celtics against the Bucks, and personally, I'm leaning toward Milwaukee in this one. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing at an MVP level, and with Jrue Holiday's defensive presence, I believe they match up exceptionally well against Boston's perimeter scoring. The numbers support this too - the Bucks have won 7 of their last 10 against the Celtics in regular season matchups.

The Warriors-Lakers matchup presents what I consider the day's most fascinating storyline. At 34, LeBron James continues to defy Father Time, averaging 28.6 points per game this season, while Stephen Curry remains the heartbeat of Golden State's offensive machine. Having covered both players throughout their careers, I've developed tremendous respect for their longevity and ability to elevate their teams. The Lakers' supporting cast needs to step up significantly if they hope to contain the Warriors' fluid offensive system. From my perspective, Golden State's ball movement and three-point shooting will prove too much for Los Angeles to handle, especially with Klay Thompson finding his rhythm after returning from injury.

The Suns versus Nuggets game might not have the traditional rivalry element, but it features two legitimate Western Conference contenders. Nikola Jokic's unique skill set makes Denver dangerous every night, while Phoenix has maintained their excellent form from last season's Finals run. I've been particularly impressed with Devin Booker's continued development as a complete offensive threat. The final game between Mavericks and Jazz should provide an offensive showcase, with Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell both capable of spectacular individual performances. Dallas will need secondary scoring beyond Doncic to compete with Utah's balanced attack.

Throughout my career covering basketball across different leagues, I've noticed how mid-season returns of key players can dramatically shift team dynamics, similar to how Meralco benefits from Banchero and Bates returning from injuries during their playoff push. These Christmas games often serve as turning points where teams either solidify their identities or expose weaknesses that need addressing. The holiday schedule creates unique pressure situations that reveal character - something coaches and scouts watch closely when evaluating roster needs ahead of the trade deadline.

Looking at this year's Christmas slate overall, I'm most excited about the Warriors-Lakers matchup because of the star power and strategic elements involved. These games tend to have playoff-level intensity despite being regular season contests, and the national spotlight often brings out the best in elite players. The scheduling creates natural narratives and rivalries that enhance viewer experience while providing valuable data points for evaluating championship contenders. From my perspective, Christmas Day represents more than just basketball games - it's a celebration of the sport that brings families together while showcasing the NBA's brightest stars at their best.