NBA officially announces Christmas Day schedule, other marquee games
The NBA confirmed on Wednesday that its 2018 Christmas Day schedule will be highlighted by a Pacific Division battle between LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers and the two-time defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors.
| Dec. 25 | Visitor | Home |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 p.m. | Bucks | Knicks |
| 3 p.m. | 76ers | Celtics |
| 5:30 p.m. | Thunder | Rockets |
| 8 p.m. | Lakers | Warriors |
| 10:30 p.m. | Trail Blazers | Jazz |
The New York Knicks - who have played more Christmas Day games than any other franchise - will host Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks.
That will be followed by the Philadelphia 76ers visiting the Boston Celtics. Then, for the second straight Christmas, the Oklahoma City Thunder will face off against the Houston Rockets. The nightcap features the Portland Trail Blazers on the road against the Utah Jazz.
In addition to the yuletide matchups, the league announced the 76ers and Celtics will also tip off the NBA season in Boston on Oct. 16. The opening-night doubleheader concludes with the Warriors getting their 2017-18 championship rings before a home contest against the Thunder.
LeBron makes his Lakers debut two nights later when the purple and gold open their season in Portland against the Trail Blazers. That's part two of the TNT doubleheader, with the first game featuring the Chicago Bulls and 76ers. James will make his home debut at Staples Center against the Rockets on Oct. 20.
Kawhi Leonard's first game with the Toronto Raptors will be at home on Oct. 19 against the Celtics.
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— NBA (@NBA) August 8, 2018
Our #KiaTipOff18 schedule! pic.twitter.com/CZi86ue28Q
On Jan. 21, the league's traditional Martin Luther King Jr. Day schedule will be highlighted by a rematch of Warriors-Lakers.
| Jan. 21 | Visitor | Home |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 p.m. | Pelicans | Grizzlies |
| 8 p.m. | Rockets | 76ers |
| 10:30 p.m. | Warriors | Lakers |
Wednesday's announcement comes with its share of criticism, much of it from north of the border.
The NBA chose to overlook Toronto for its Christmas slate again, despite the team averaging 55 wins over the last three seasons and having a built-in Leonard-DeMar DeRozan storyline in a potential matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. The Raptors have played on Christmas before - in 2001, at the peak of Vince Carter's stardom.
U.S. television ratings, however, do not measure Canadian markets, which would create an advertising revenue gap for broadcasters.
Only two NBA franchises have never played on Christmas Day - the Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies.