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You’d better finish opening your presents quickly because the NBA is bringing the heat early on Christmas Day, with the New York Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden at noon ET in an NBA Finals rematch.
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I had a strong stance on this matchup during the NBA Finals, and it hasn’t changed. Let’s dive into my early NBA picks for a loaded slate on Friday, Dec. 25.
NBA Christmas Day predictions
Pick
Knicks -1.5
Celtics -5.5
76ers +1.5
Timberwolves +3.5
Nuggets -3.5
The NBA delivered an incredible Christmas Day slate, starting with an NBA Finals rematch before LeBron James returns to Los Angeles to face Luka Doncic as a 76er.
And while some questioned Golden State’s inclusion, Stephen Curry vs. Nikola Jokic as the nightcap is the perfect way to end Christmas Day.
Spurs vs Knicks (12 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)
Spurs vs Knicks opening odds
Spurs
Knicks
-105
Moneyline
-115
+1.5 (-115)
Spread
-1.5 (-105)
Over 228.5 (-115)
Total
Under 228.5 (-105)
Spurs vs Knicks early pick: Knicks -1.5
em-105 at DraftKings/em
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The New York Knicks have the matchup advantage against the San Antonio Spurs, just as they did in the NBA Finals, so I’m backing them again on Christmas Day.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ spacing and the starting five’s shooting limit Victor Wembanyama’s ability to roam defensively. As long as nobody gifts De’Aaron Fox a jumper, New York should cover.
Heat vs Celtics (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)
Heat vs Celtics opening odds
Heat
Celtics
+154
Moneyline
-185
+5.5 (-110)
Spread
-5.5 (-110)
Over 229.5 (-110)
Total
Under 229.5 (-110)
Heat vs Celtics early pick: Celtics -5.5
em-110 at DraftKings/em
The Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat matchup is fascinating with Giannis Antetokounmpo now in South Beach.
Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo give the Heat one of the NBA’s most imposing interior defenses, but that strength doesn’t align with Boston’s Mazzulla-ball offense, which is built around bombing away from three rather than attacking the paint.
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Give me the Celtics -5.5.
