5 NBA teams that most deserve a game on Christmas Day

Christmas Day is undoubtedly one of the most exciting days of the regular season for NBA fans.

This annual tradition brings together the league's most famous and brightest stars and has always been an important part of the NBA schedule.

Playing on Christmas Day is the highest honor for any team in the league, and while the NBA has not yet announced all of its Christmas Day games, there are some teams that have done enough to earn a spot on this signature day for the association.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were a staple of NBA Christmas Day during the Durant era.

The Thunder returned to the scene last season, winning 57 games and making it to the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, where they lost to eventual Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite their postseason setback, the Thunder have gained considerable popularity under rising star Shai Gilgeous Alexander, and their impressive performance last season makes them a strong contender for a Christmas Day game.

Given SGA's increased popularity and the Thunder's performance last season, it's not hard to imagine the Thunder playing on Christmas, especially since they're expected to make another big jump next season to establish themselves as a contender after trading Alex Caruso.

There may be a rematch between Luka and the Dallas Mavericks or a duel between SGA and Stephen Curry, both of which will make for exciting games.

From one exciting young team to another, the Minnesota Timberwolves surprised the world last season, establishing themselves as a top team and making it to the Western Conference finals, where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks.

The world has embraced Anthony Edwards as one of the new faces of the NBA. The dynamic two-guard is coming off an All-Star-caliber season and has backed it up with a great run in the postseason.

Given Edwards' increasing popularity and Wolves' excellent performance last season, it's not hard to imagine them playing on Christmas Day.

Possible games would include a rematch in the Western Conference finals between the Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks or a duel with the Denver Nuggets, the 2022 NBA champions who they beat in the Western Conference semifinals.

With Ja Morant expected to return to full play next season after recovering from a shoulder injury, the Grizzlies are likely to be at the top of the league's list for a Christmas Day game.

The Grizzlies with a healthy Ja Morant are one of the most exciting teams and are proving that they belong among the elite. Morant himself has built up a considerable fan base during his early career and the Grizzlies have a large roster of talent around them that should catapult them back into playoff contention.

He suffered some serious setbacks last season, including a 25-game suspension, but Morant is still one of the league's most spectacular players, so it will be a challenge for the league to keep the Grizzlies away from Christmas.

The 2023-24 season was a big step forward for the Indiana Pacers, who have established themselves as Eastern Conference heavyweights. The Pacers are fresh off a long postseason run that saw them lose to the inevitable champions Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Despite losses in the postseason, Tyrese Haliburton has proven to be one of the best point guards in the league, and his performance last season should prepare him for a Christmas Day showdown with another top Eastern Conference opponent.

Realistically, the Pacers could face their old rivals, the New York Knicks, or even the Milwaukee Bucks or Boston Celtics, setting up several possible Eastern Conference playoff rematches.

There could also be a rematch of the 2023–24 NBA In-Season Tournament finals with LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers could be ideal opponents for the Indiana Pacers.

This list is of course rounded off by the NBA champions.

The Boston Celtics will be playing on Christmas for many reasons. They will be returning some of their best players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick. All were crucial to this championship run.

A possible matchup against the Lakers or Knicks would also bring in significant revenue for the league, as they are all major markets. And finally, we could be rewarded with an NBA Finals rematch against the Mavs.