Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the US has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just want some entertainment while sipping eggnog.
This year’s major events include five nba game and three nfl Games, with games lasting over 12 hours.
Here’s a look at the key fixtures – as well as some you may have missed as you prepare to head on holiday.
clear schedule
Spurs at Thunder, 2:30 p.m., espn,abc – Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are one of the league’s rising teams, having made the NBA Cup Finals before losing to the Knicks last week. The Thunder won the championship last season and have the league’s best record this year at 25–3. Adding a little spice: The Spurs defeated the Thunder in the NBA Cup semi-finals earlier this month.
Rockets at Lakers, 8 p.m., ESPN/ABC – Enjoy it, because it’s hard to believe we’ll have many more opportunities to see Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James, especially on Christmas Day. The 37-year-old Durant continues to score buckets for the Rockets while the 40-year-old James is still playing at a high level in his 23rd NBA season.
One look at the gifts, the other look at the game
Timberwolves at Nuggets, 10:30 PM, ESPN/ABC – Nothing wrong with this game between the two better teams in the NBA’s Western Conference. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is turning in another ridiculous season, averaging a triple-double for the Nuggets. They will face the Timberwolves, who fly high and always entertain Anthony Edwards.
Lions at Vikings, 4:30 p.m., Netflix – This is the best game of a disappointing NFL slate, featuring a Lions team that must win if they want to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The division rival Vikings have had a disappointing season, but would love to play spoiler and have won their last three games.
Cavaliers at Knicks, 12 p.m., ESPN/ABC – The Knicks just won the NBA Cup and may have their best team in years thanks to Jalen Brunson, Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges. They will face a Cavaliers team that is back to .500 this season after leading the Eastern Conference with 64 wins last year.
Broncos at Chiefs, 8:15 PM, Prime Video – OK, this sounded appealing a few months ago, but the fact that Kansas City is out of playoff contention and lost its top two quarterbacks to knee injuries has soured the mood. On the positive side, the Broncos have been one of the best teams in the NFL and are trying to stay ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers and win the AFC West.
Maybe it’s time for a nap?
Mavericks at Warriors, 5 p.m., ESPN/ABC – Many Mavericks fans got an early Christmas gift when general manager Nico Harrison – the architect of the infamous Luka Doncic trade – was fired earlier this season. The problem is that Dallas is still not playing well, the improvement through rookie Cooper Flagg is an encouraging sign. Warriors veteran star Stephen Curry is capable of big nights like his 48-point performance against the Blazers earlier this month, but Golden State’s glory days seem like they are getting closer.
Cowboys at Commanders, 1 p.m., Netflix – There will be a lot of eyes on this game because it’s the Cowboys and Commanders, but there isn’t much here in terms of stakes. Both teams are out of the playoff race and Washington’s starting QB Jayden Daniels is out for the season after aggravating an elbow injury in Week 14.
,
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA, AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL