Ranking the NBA's Christmas Day games by watchability

The NBA on Christmas Day is one of sports' best traditions, and despite a significantly shortened offseason that surely has the players feeling a bit labored, fans of the game have to be thrilled as the slate of matchups being offered on Dec. 25.

Let’s take a look at the five fantastic games and rank them from least to most watchable.

5. Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers (8 p.m., ABC)

Luka Doncic. Anthony Davis. LeBron James. The defending NBA champions, and I’m ranking this fifth!? That’s how good the slate is, though. While this will be must-see TV, it’s hard to know how seriously the Lakers will take this game. If they deliver championship-caliber play it won’t be all that close of a game, whereas if they fail to do so it might be a closer game, but we won’t be enjoying their high-quality play.

4. Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m., ABC)

It has been far too long since we’ve been able to enjoy Kevin Durant on the basketball court, and now we get to see him paired with Kyrie Irving. The Celtics have bona fide stars in their own right, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Marcus Smart always makes things interesting as well.

3. New Orleans Pelicans vs. Miami Heat (12 p.m., ESPN)

The NBA Bubble runner-ups play some of the most entertaining basketball in the NBA, and Jimmy Butler is quickly becoming one of the most likeable players in the league depending on if you are a former Bulls or 76ers fan or not. Mix in Zion Williamson and this will make for a wonderful matchup between an old-school grinder like Butler and a new-age athletic freak in Williamson.

Beyond that, this is also the first matchup of the day, which brings with it an extra level of excitement for those who have spent their morning watching gifts get opened while awaiting their real favorite unveiling: the first tip of the day signifying over 12 hours of action.

2. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (10:30 p.m., ESPN)

Is there any player in the NBA more enjoyable to watch for pure fans of basketball than Nikola Jokic? After a day of treats, Jokic as the nightcap should be the cherry on top. His creativity will be extra appealing if it becomes the first moment of your day that you have to yourself to simply enjoy pure basketball, and the Clippers roster ought to come out invigorated after their bubble disappointment.

Lest we forget this is a rematch of the Western Conference semifinal that went seven games just a few months ago.

1. Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks (2:30 p.m., ABC)

Steph Curry is back. Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed his big contract committing to the Bucks. Despite nearly two years of rumors that Steph would successfully recruit the Greek Freak to the Bay, the marriage didn’t occur and they now get to face off in the Christmas primetime spot. Curry and Antetokounmpo at their best are as electric as sports get, so this is must-see television.