Breaking News:
WHAT DID I SAY! The New York Knicks are officially champions of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup after their 124-113 win against the San Antonio Spurs. The team was led by OG Anunoby, who dropped 28 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, with players like Tyler Kolek, Mitchell Robinson, and Jordan Clarkson also stepping up in the clutch. Jalen Brunson was named the NBA Cup MVP, with 25 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.
Cavaliers vs Knicks:
Well, this matchup has aged like milk. When the NBA first made the schedule, the Cavaliers had just come off of a 60+ win season and a second round play-off exit. Similarly, the Knicks had just had their second 50+ win season in two years and were fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals run against the Pacers. Two top Eastern teams in one match; what could possibly go wrong?
Everything. That’s what could go wrong. According to Statmuse, the Cavaliers are 7th in the East, barely scraping together a winning record, while the Knicks rest at the 2nd seed with a five game winning streak. Additionally, New York has won nine out of their last 10 home games, which worsens the Cavaliers chances, especially since they are playing at Madison Square Garden.
Matchup Winner: New York
Spurs vs Thunder:
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s my glorious 7’5 Alien WEMBENAYMA flying in to save the league from the Oklahoma Thunder. Personally, I have high expectations for this game, as it is a rematch of the Western Conference Cup Finals, in which the Spurs defeated the Thunder 111-109. Could Wembenyama and the Spurs finally end a possible Thunder dynasty?
To say it lightly, it’s not that easy. Could the win be a fluke? Again, it’s not that simple. During their matchup, despite Wembenyama playing on restricted minutes, whenever he was on the floor, the Thunder couldn’t manage to get offensive rebounds, allowing for a Spurs comeback in the second half. Truly, this match will be one to remember.
Matchup Winner: (Could go either way) OKC
Mavericks vs Warriors
If it isn’t the battle of the mids. On one side, we got UNC Stephen Curry, who’s running back the clock at 37-years-old by averaging 29.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 3.9 APG, according to Statmuse. On the other side, we got a rookie phenom from Maine, Cooper Flagg. He is the favorite for Rookie of the Year and the first 18-year-old ever to score 40+ points in an NBA game. Both of these teams hang on or near the Play-Ins (seeds 7-10) while sporting a losing record.
However, don’t let the team performances fool you into skipping this game. The Curry and Flagg duo will keep this game fired up with dunks, logo threes, and massive defensive plays. I’m looking forward to this matchup.
Matchup Winner: Mavericks
Rockets vs Lakers
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! It’s the battle of the UNCS! We got LeBron James and Kevin Durant, both pushing 41-years-old and 38-years-old, respectively, going head to head in this tight game for progression in the West. Despite this focus, the likely stars of this game will be Luka Doncic and Alperen Sengun, both of whom are having excellent seasons.
Doncic is currently averaging 34.7 PPG, which leads the league in scoring, which overshadows Sengun’s 23.5 PPG. Overall, the past record of the rockets, which includes a loss to the 12th seeded Mavericks, doesn’t suggest that they can hold their own against heavier competition.
Matchup Winner: Lakers
Timberwolves vs Nuggets
Man, we’ve seen this matchup before, the chubby Serbian with the NBA as a 9-5 or the 6’4 athletic devil. Believe it or not, out of their last 10 matchups, the Nuggets have won six of them! Adam Silver was REALLY cooking when making this matchup. These teams have not only clashed in the regular season, but also frequently meet each other in the post season.
Currently, in my eyes, the Nuggets maintain their edge over the Timberwolves, especially with Nikola Jokic averaging a triple double and Jamal Murray balling like an All-Star. And remind me, who are they going up against? Oh, right! A 24-year-old immature shooting guard backed up by a center who can’t score for his life.
Matchup Winner: Nuggets
Conclusion
This year, just like the past Christmas games, will be filled with energy, action, and nail-biting games that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, if you find yourself free this Christmas with a whole lot of nothing to do, go ahead and tune into the NBA Christmas day games. If you need me, you can find me prepping my couch for a whole day of binging basketball.
