Ranking all 5 NBA Christmas Day games by watchability

Not all Christmas gifts are created equal. For every gaming system glistening under the tree, there are five pairs of underwear you never asked for. They're a lot like the NBA's Christmas Day games. There's a few must-see games, but there's also a couple of dirty lumps of coal littering the schedule. We've examined all five games carefully and have identified which matchups you need to see and which ones you can safely nap through.

5. New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The NBA released its broadcast schedule for the 2019-20 season on October 15, which goes a long way in explaining why the truly terrible New Orleans Pelicans will be playing on the biggest day of the year. Back then Zion Williamson still had two healthy knees and was punishing rims with extreme prejudice. Alas, Zion underwent knee surgery October 21, and the Pelicans have since been about as entertaining as watching paint dry. Avoid this game at all costs—even if it means having to spend time with your family.

4. Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors, 5 p.m. ET (ABC)

The Warriors are off to their worst start since the 2000 season, but this game is still worth watching because of the presence of The Beard. James Harden is leading the league in scoring for the third straight season and has already scored 50 points or more five times since October 30. The seven-time All-Star needed just 35 minutes to drop 36 points against the Warriors when he faced them in November, and he should be even more explosive on Christmas, with a national audience watching his every move. You may not want to watch the entire game, but it will be worth tuning in for the opening quarter to watch Harden go to work against Golden State’s porous defense.

3. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 2:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

As exciting as Harden may be, no one in the NBA generates more highlights than Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is averaging 31 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game and is putting suckers on posters every time he steps onto the court. The reigning MVP has also extended his range to three-point land and is now jacking a career-high 5.1 treys per game, which arguably makes him the most unguardable player on the planet. The Sixers can be fun to watch too, but we all know Giannis is the main attraction in this Eastern Conference clash. You'll want to watch this one from start to finish, and may even want to recreate Antetokounmpo's most ferocious dunks on your nephew's Nerf hoop before Christmas dinner.

2. Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors, noon ET (ESPN)

The Celtics and Raptors already met once this season on October 25, and the results were electric. Kemba Walker scored 11 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and led Boston from six points down to claim an emphatic 112-106 win at home. This game will be played north of the border, and there’s every reason to believe it will be another hotly contested affair, with plenty of lead changes and pulse-pounding moments. Stray away from the couch at your own peril.

1. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)

The Battle of L.A. got off to an explosive start on opening night, with the Clippers besting the Lakers 112-102 behind a cool 30 points from Kawhi Leonard. Expect more fireworks on Christmas Day, as "L.A.'s other team" tries to take advantage of a suddenly vulnerable Lakers squad, which has now lost three straight games for the first time all season. Forget about the  spiced fruitcake—this is the perfect way to cap off your Christmas celebration.