It’s Christmas Day and once again the NBA takes center stage with five marquee matchups. Along with festive sneakers worn by the players, the Christmas team uniforms differ each year. This year the NBA has gone with the sleeved jersey being rocked by Dwight Howard below.

The actual games on the docket for today should provide for some good entertainment.

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets
12pm, ESPN

The matinee matchup feature two struggling teams that were forecasted to be among the eastern conference elite. The Chicago Bulls who are once again without Derrick Rose travel to Brooklyn to take on the disappointing Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are also without their star player Brook Lopez for the season.

This should be a close game but I think the Nets will pull this one out at home. It’s a big nationally televised game and the Nets old timers should be up for this one. I like the Nets 92-87.

Oklahoma City Thunder at New York Knicks
2:30pm, ABC

NYC will be buzzing today as it will host two games. One in Brooklyn and one in Gotham City at the Mecca Madison Square Garden. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will lea their Thunder into battle against Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks.

With the Knicks sputtering and the Thunder rolling, I don’t see this being much of a contest. Look for Durant and Westbrook to put on a show en route to a comfortable OKC victory. Thunder 106-88.

Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers
5pm, ABC

The prime time game of the day will feature the defending NBA champion Miami Heat against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples.

This has turned into an annual matchup it seems pitting LeBron James against Kobe Bryant. No Kobe this year as he’s out six weeks with a fractured knee. The Lakers who have been without a point guard get Jordan Farmar back today. That won’t be enough as LeBron and company should run over the Lakers. I have Miami in this one 102-87.

Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs
8pm, ESPN

The night cap begins with James Harden, Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets taking on their in-state rivals the San Antonio Spurs.

This will be a good game as the Rockets are much improved and Dwight Howard is coming into form. The defending western conference champs are always consistent and I expect Duncan and company to hold off the surging Rockets. Spurs win 94-90.

Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
10:30pm, ESPN

The final game of the day feature the improving LA Clippers traveling a little north to take on the electrifying Golden St. Warriors.

The Clips are starting to gel under Doc Rivers with CP3 leading the way. Look for him to connect with Blake Griffin on a few lobs as this should be a track meet. The Warriors are looking to right the ship and hit their stride after a amazing season last year. Look for Steph Curry to have a big night, and lead the Warriors to come away with the victory. Warriors 110-103.