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December is peak NBA season: teams are settled into rotations, stars ramp up, and the Emirates NBA Cup + Christmas Day slate give us multiple “playoff-feel” nights.
The upcoming top NBA games in December (with quick predictions)
NBA Cup knockouts (high stakes, single-elim vibes)
These games tend to tighten up late—more half-court possessions, shorter rotations, and stars living at the nail.
Knicks @ Raptors (Dec. 9) – Prediction: Knicks win
New York’s physicality and defensive pressure usually travels well in these “one-game” environments. If Toronto’s key guys are limited, the Knicks’ edge in shot quality late is the separator.
Celtics @ Bucks Thu, Dec. 11 – Prediction: Celtics win (tight finish)
Boston’s spacing + volume threes usually travel, and in a likely half-court game, I trust their late-game shot quality a bit more.
Lakers @ Clippers Sat, Dec. 20 – Prediction: Clippers win (grindy)
This matchup often comes down to who wins the “possession game” (turnovers + rebounds) and who can manufacture points when the pace slows. I lean Clippers in a close one.
Spurs vs Thunder (Dec. 25) – Prediction: Thunder win
OKC’s defensive speed and advantage creation (forcing turnovers → easy points) plays well against young teams—unless San Antonio turns it into a half-court, Wemby-dominant game.
Christmas Day 2025: five marquee games, five storylines
The league’s official Christmas slate is stacked this year.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets (10:30 ET) – Prediction: Nuggets win
Denver’s half-court execution is the holiday cheat code. Minnesota can flip it if they dominate the glass and turn it into a grind..
Cavaliers vs Knicks (Noon ET) – Prediction: Cavaliers win
Cleveland’s continuity and rim pressure give them a cleaner “Plan A.” If NY’s shot-making is average (not nuclear), Cavs feel safer.
Spurs vs Thunder (2:30 ET) – Prediction: Thunder win
OKC by controlling pace and winning the non-Wemby minutes.
Mavericks vs Warriors (5:00 ET) – Prediction: Mavericks win (close)
Dallas’ heliocentric offense can still crack elite schemes late. Golden State keeps it tight if the ball movement is crisp and the threes fall.
Rockets vs Lakers (8:00 ET) – Prediction: Lakers win
LA’s late-game organization and star shot creation is usually the difference on Christmas. Houston has upset potential if their athleticism wins the “effort categories” (boards, loose balls).
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