The 72nd edition of the NBA on Christmas Day will feature five games throughout the day with the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors getting things started at 12 p.m. ET.
The NBA will have five Christmas Day games for the 12th year in a row as ESPN and ABC will combine to broadcast each game. Four of the five games will be first-time matchups on the holiday.
The full five-game Christmas Day schedule:
- Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors: 12 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers: 2:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors: 5 p.m. (ABC)
- L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers: 8 p.m. (ABC & ESPN)
- New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets: 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)
While the full slate of games will be headlined by the likes of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and others, several first-year players will also make their holiday debuts.
Of course, the last game of the day will be without Zion Williamson as he recovers from knee surgery on Oct. 21. Although the No. 1 pick will be sidelined, plenty of other rookie players should see some action on Christmas Day.
Note: Injured players were not included
Grant Williams, Celtics
Williams is coming off of his best two-game swing of the season after totaling 30 points. The first-round pick often contributes his energy and playmaking off the bench and is beginning to see more playing time as a result.
Romeo Langford, Celtics
Langford is finally healthy and contributing for the Celtics. After dealing with a number of injuries, Langford recorded a season-high eight points and four rebounds Sunday night in a 119-93 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He appears to be ready to contribute and could see more action on Wednesday.
Carsen Edwards, Celtics
Edwards recently re-joined the Celtics after a four-game stint with the Maine Red Claws in the G League. Edwards averaged 21.8 points, five rebounds, 3.5 assists and three steals for the Red Claws. He appears to be back with the Celtics for now though it is unclear if he will play on Wednesday.
Tremont Waters, Celtics
Waters has spent the majority of the season in the G League. In 13 games played, he is averaging 20.1 points, 7.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals. He is 12th in the G League in assists and 12th in steals. With the Red Claws off until Friday, Waters will likely be with the Celtics.
Tacko Fall, Celtics
With the Celtics dealing with injuries to centers Robert Williams and Vincent Poirier, Fall has been on the active roster recently. Fall has three appearances with the Celtics this season, totaling 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Terence Davis, Raptors
The undrafted guard has earned significant playing time for head coach Nick Nurse and he has taken advantage of it. Davis is averaging 6.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 30 games this season, including a career-high 19 points against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 20.
Chris Clemons, Rockets
The two-way rookie has contributed sporadically for the Rockets this season. Clemons has scored at least 15 points four different times and has given the Rockets a boost of offense off of the bench. His play has him on the verge of earning a standard NBA deal.
Eric Paschall, Warriors
After a strong start to his rookie campaign, Paschall has dealt with a few injuries recently. He has been dealing with a sore hip and suffered a knee injury, causing him to leave early on Friday against the Pelicans. Paschall played on Monday, a good indication he should be able to go on Wednesday.
Jordan Poole, Warriors
With the Warriors battling through injuries for much of the season, Poole has been used quite frequently. His playing time has dropped recently, though, after struggling with his shot. In 29 games, Poole is averaging 7.1 points and shooting just 25.4% from the field.
Ky Bowman, Warriors
The Warriors have leaned quite a bit on two-way guard Ky Bowman so it is unclear if he will play but he has produced when called upon. Bowman is posting 8.3 points and 2.7 assists in 27 games this season and recently recorded two points in 22 minutes on Monday.
Mfiondu Kabengele, Clippers
The first-round has shuttled between the NBA and G League this season, playing only mostly in mop-up duty with the Varsity squad. In the G League, though, Kabengele has been a monster after dropping 36 points and 12 rebounds on Dec. 12.
Terance Mann, Clippers
Like Kabengele, Mann has been used periodically for the Clippers though has started five games for head coach Doc Rivers. Mann hasn’t played in five games so, like Kabengele, may not see much time on Christmas Day.
Jaxson Hayes, Pelicans
Without Zion Williamson, Hayes has been top rookie on the Pelicans. In 28 games, Hayes is averaging 8.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Hayes recently scored in double figures in five of seven games but has cooled off since then, totaling just 12 points over his last three games.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Pelicans
Alexander-Walker has had a few spurts this season in which he has flashed his potential but has struggled to stay consistent with inconsistent playing time. He recently fell out of the rotation and may not see a ton of time on Wednesday.
Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
The Nuggets have been trying to find more playing time for their redshirt freshman but have been unsuccessful in doing so. The team has been rumored to be shopping Malik Beasley, which would open the door for Porter, but the team has not yet moved him.
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