Other than the NBA Finals, there isn’t a bigger game for the NBA than Christmas Day. This time they will have to share it with the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs will steal some thunder from the NBA fans, but it will all collide into a great all-sports-Christmas Day.

There are five games scheduled for December 25, but I skipped the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Why do you ask? The Wolves are ten games under .500.

These are the NBA Picks Christmas Day Edition:

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks

• Game Time: Sunday, December 25 | 12:00 PM ET
• Stadium: Madison Square Garden,  New York, NY
• TV: ESPN

Both the Boston Celtics are in postseason spots entering Christmas. But things could become shaky if they don’t get a solid win over their division rivals. Boston already smashed the Knicks 115-87 early in the season. The pay per head services saw the Celtics destroyed the NY without any regards. The Knicks have improved since then, but not enough to be considered favorites.

The Celtics score 104.3 points per game (15th), but their most improved asset is their ball movement. Boston has recorded 24.6 assists per game as an average; that is the third best number in the NBA.

The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a favorite, 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 road games, 6-1 ATS in their last seven games as a road favorite and Celtics are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Boston has won the last three meetings against the NY Knicks. They went 2-1 ATS in those meetings. The UNDER always hit the bankroll.

New York averages 105.3 points per game (25th), but their playing style is up-tempo, and it doesn’t usually go their way.  They allow 108.0 points per game, which is the 5th worst number in the NBA.

The Knicks are only 3-7 straight in their last ten meeting against Boston on any building.

NBA Christmas Picks: Boston.

Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers

• Game Time: Sunday, December 25 | 2:30 PM ET
• Stadium: Quicken Loans Arena,  Cleveland, OH
• TV: ABC

Of course, the Warriors against the Cavs is the best game of the day. It’s not only the rematch of the last two NBA Finals but the chance to see Golden State’s Super Team matching up against Lebron James and company.

To become a bookmaker, you need to know this game won’t mean much in the end. But it’s about bragging rights. It’s about sending an early message to a direct opponent. The pay per head sportsbooks have listed the Warriors and the Cavs meeting in the NBA Finals for a third time as the most probable final for the 2015 NBA Finals.

After losing a 3-1 lead in the 2016 Finals, the Warriors went and shopped for free agent Kevin Durant. The matchup between the Warriors and the Cavaliers doesn’t seem fair anymore. Heck, the matchup between the Warriors and the rest of the NBA is not fair. But we are here to sit, watch, gamble and enjoy.

Keep in mind the Warriors are 37-17-2 ATS in their last 56 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5 points, 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS win, and 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games playing on one-day rest.   

Cleveland is dealing with some depth problems in their roster. They don’t have Kevin Love available, and this week they found out JR Smith will be out for at least a month.

Smith is dealing with a thumb injury. The problem for the Cavs will come when they face teams that are contenders. That’s the case on Christmas Day. The players coming off the bench are just as important as the starters in these types of games.

NBA Christmas Picks: Golden State.

Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

• Game Time: Sunday, December 25 | 5:00 PM ET
• Stadium: AT&T Center,  San Antonio, TX
• TV: ABC

The San Antonio Spurs have won of the best records in the NBA. It’s an understatement to say they are the Warriors number one challenger in the West.  On the road, they have been flawless with a 15-1 record. At home, they usually relax more than they should.

San Antonio doesn’t care much about a flashy win on Christmas day. For them, it’s about winning just another game. The Spurs will try to be a game or two behind Golden State when the second half of the season starts. Games like this one are another day in the office for San Antonio, and the online bookies fully understand it.

The Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a favorite, 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS win, 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall, and 4-0 ATS in their last four after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Bulls will try to stay close to aim for a win late in the game. They are battling to stay above .500, and it hasn’t been pretty to watch. While San Antonio scores 104.0 points per game and allows 97.9 points each night with a +6.1 differential, Chicago has a +1.8 differential, scoring 101.4 PPG but giving up 99.6 PPG.

The Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last six after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game, 1-4 ATS in their last five road games and 1-4 ATS in their last five games playing on one-day rest.

NBA Christmas Picks: San Antonio.

Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers

• Game Time: Sunday, December 25 | 10:30 PM ET
• Stadium: STAPLES Center,  Los Angeles, CA
• TV: ESPN

The Clippers have won the last ten straight games against the Lakes. To call it a rivalry will be an insult. The Clippers have won of the best scoring teams in the NBA, averaging close 110 points per game. They also have a top-10 defense, giving up 101.6 points per game.

The Lakers on the other side are nine games under .500. They have the 4th worst defense in the NFL, and their roster is so young, they have no idea how to compete against veteran teams. Just like the Clippers.

The Clippers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. The Lakers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall, and 1-7 ATS in their last eight games playing on one-day rest.   

NBA Christmas Picks: LA Clippers.