NBA

SportsLine's Mike McClure, a daily Fantasy pro with over $2 million in winnings, gives optimal NBA DFS lineup advice for Christmas 2022.

[Mavericks](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/DAL/dallas-mavericks/) guard [Luka Doncic](/nba/players/2900426/luka-doncic/) as one of his top NBA DFS picks on DraftKings and FanDuel. [Jordan Poole](/nba/players/2892690/jordan-poole/) ($8,300 on DraftKings and $7,800 on FanDuel). [Grizzlies](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MEM/memphis-grizzlies/) guard [Ja Morant](/nba/players/2892772/ja-morant/), who is listed at $10,600 on DraftKings and $10,100 on FanDuel. He's averaging 26.5 points, 7.9 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game this year and now he's got a juicy matchup against the [Warriors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/GS/golden-state-warriors/). In the four games since Curry went down, Poole is averaging 27.8 points per game and he's now up to 19.1 points and 4.4 assists per game this season. [Bucks](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MIL/milwaukee-bucks/) forward [Giannis Antetokounmpo](/nba/players/2067655/giannis-antetokounmpo/) is in his 10th [NBA](/nba/) season and he's been a staple of the NBA on Christmas Day -- an honor typically reserved for the NBA's biggest draws as teams or individuals -- for each of the last four years. 2 overall pick in the 2019 [NBA Draft](/nba/draft/) won NBA Rookie of the Year honors in his first season and then made his first NBA All-Star team last season in Year 3. They're a must-see for any NBA DFS player. On Sunday, he'll be looking for a repeat of his epic Christmas performance last year against the [Celtics](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BOS/boston-celtics/) where he had 36 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in less than 30 minutes. McClure is a DFS professional with over $2 million in career winnings. [Jayson Tatum](/nba/players/2268018/jayson-tatum/) is also having a career year as a scorer (30.6 ppg) and he's already had five 40-point games this season, including two in the month of December. So how much exposure should you have to Tatum and Antetokounmpo in your NBA DFS lineups?

LeBron James has moved ahead of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for the most games played on Christmas in NBA history.

Via ESPN's Stats & Info: "LeBron James will be playing in his 17th career Christmas Day game, passing Kobe Bryant for the most games played on the holiday. The matchup with the Mavs on Sunday moves him ahead of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for the most games played on Christmas in NBA history (17). LeBron James Moves Ahead Of Kobe Bryant To Make NBA History On Christmas

Milwaukee @ Boston. Current Records: Milwaukee 22-10; Boston 23-10. What to Know. The Milwaukee Bucks' road trip will continue as they head to TD Garden at ...

- Apr 12, 2017 - Boston 112 vs. - Apr 15, 2018 - Boston 113 vs. - Apr 28, 2018 - Boston 112 vs. - Apr 20, 2018 - Milwaukee 116 vs. Milwaukee is now 22-10 while the Celtics sit at 23-10. - Apr 28, 2019 - Boston 112 vs. Regional restrictions may apply.) [NBA picks](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/picks/#ttag=SL19_lk_cbssports_nba_htw) for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Milwaukee is expected to lose this next one by 5. Boston can attribute much of their success to small forward The Milwaukee Bucks' road trip will continue as they head to TD Garden at 5 p.m. Tatum's evening made it four games in a row in which he has scored at least 30 points.

Carmelo Anthony, who is still a free agent, is in attendance at Sunday's game between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.

I love the game, but I've realized there's a lot of things that's not in my control. Anthony: "I love the game, I will say that. He also added that he still would love to play and is in the gym every day. I'm at peace with that." Please welcome New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony!" Seeing him in attendance as a fan on Christmas Day is disappointing, considering he is one of the most popular players ever and could still help plenty of teams.

With Stephen Curry sidelined by a shoulder injury for a showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis, Morant will serve as the holiday headliner.

“When it comes to his family, his friends and his teammates, he takes care of a lot of people. Grizzlies television reporter Kelcey Wright Johnson noted that Morant has used social media to defend former teammate Grayson Allen from criticism and to credit Jae Crowder for aiding his adjustment to the NBA, in addition to nominating Jackson, Bane and Brooks for end-of-season awards. Morant [poured in 47 points in a Game 2 victory](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/05/04/ja-morant-grizzlies-warriors-game-2/?itid=lk_inline_manual_12) in front of a raucous home crowd, but he was forced to watch the final three games from the sidelines as the Warriors closed out the series and went on to win the title. When Morant suffered a fluky knee injury later in the series and blamed Warriors guard Jordan Poole, Bay Area fans and national analysts rushed to Poole’s defense. [a two-minute reel](https://twitter.com/DevInTheLab/status/1600198477262487552) featuring clips of Morant getting away with traveling and carrying the ball garnered more than 9 million views on Twitter. And with three triple-doubles in the past month, he has moved past Marc Gasol for the career franchise record in that category. “We’re showing we’ve got multiple guys who can go out there and score that ball,” Morant said after posting a triple-double in a blowout win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. Tee Morant is a courtside regular and local celebrity, while Morant’s 3-year-old daughter, Kaari, has more than 119,000 followers on [an Instagram account run by her parents](https://www.instagram.com/kaarimorant/?hl=en). “Ja Morant has put the Grizzlies on the map,” said Keith Parish, a podcast host for Grind City Media and a die-hard Grizzlies fan since the franchise’s 2001 relocation from Vancouver. Morant joined a rebuilding Grizzlies franchise that plays in the league’s smallest television market and quickly reshaped it into a perennial winner. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have seen the biggest percentage increase in Instagram followers of any team, and their regional television broadcasts rank fifth leaguewide in household rating thanks to an 82 percent year-over-year increase. [evokes comparisons to Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul and Steve Nash](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/10/25/ja-morant-superstar-leap-grizzlies/?itid=lk_inline_manual_11), the wiry 6-foot-2 point guard has rarely gotten top billing in the basketball world.

With NBA trade season underway and the Nets looking closer to the contender many hoped they would be by the day, let's look at five realistic trade targets ...

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Christmas Day games have witnessed some of NBA history's most memorable moments, but do players have a choice?

Christmas Day has seen some of the greatest games ever played in NBA history. Incidentally, it’s Kobe Bryant who has the record for the most points scored in Christmas Day game history, with 383. Interestingly, the NBA is the only major sports league in the country that has a fixed set of games on the day. There was also the game between the Heat and the Lakers in 2010, where players on both teams wore holiday sneakers. There is of course also a degree of spectacle to the whole affair, with teams normally choosing to wear their third jersey as well as some form of tribute to the Yuletide spirit. The very first NBA Christmas Day game was played in 1947 - one year after the league’s inception - when the New York Knicks beat the Providence Steamrollers.

Christmas Day is about superstars. Get ready for the NBA's holiday helping and follow along with our expert analysis throughout the day!

[ National Basketball Association](/stories/nba/parity-rules-the-nba-ahead-of-intriguing-christmas-day-slate) Follow him on Twitter [@YaronWeitzman](https://twitter.com/YaronWeitzman). [James Harden](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/james-harden-player). [Luka Dončić](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/luka-doncic-player) scores 31 or more. He is the only non-point guard in the top 10 in assists and the only center in the top-37 (Embiid is 38th with 4.6 assists per game). The Grizz are second in the West at 20-11, but have the same record as the conference's top team (Denver). Forcing the ball out of his hands by double-teaming him as soon as he crossed half court worked extremely well, as Hardaway and [Spencer Dinwiddie](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/spencer-dinwiddie-player) shot a combined 1-for-10 for a total of three points. [Philadelphia 76ers 119, New York Knicks 112](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers-vs-new-york-knicks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39633) — Yaron Weitzman [Dallas Mavericks 124, Los Angeles Lakers 115](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers-vs-dallas-mavericks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39634) [LeBron James](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/lebron-james-player) to beat them — the Lakers didn’t dare do the same with Dončić. After missing 12 of 17 long-range attempts in the first half, the Mavs buried seven of 11 in the third quarter and limited the Lakers to 1-for-6 from the same range, all of which resulted in a 31-point swing, Dallas taking a 20-point lead into the fourth quarter. He is leading the league in scoring and put up 35 in Sunday's win.

The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA's top two teams, are going toe-to-toe in a key Eastern Conference Christmas Day matchup.

Boston opened up an eight-point lead at the end of the first quarter, behind Jaylen Brown's 13 points, including 3 of 3 from 3. But after the third quarter, the Celtics opened up a 14-point advantage, riding another monster game from Jayson Tatum who scored 20 points in the quarter. At halftime, the Boston Celtics-Milwaukee Bucks Christmas Day edition looked like it might go down to the wire.

It will also be a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup that Boston took down in seven games. Like that matchup, the Bucks will be ...

For Morant and the Grizzlies, this was a stage and a matchup they wanted. It’ll be Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s second Christmas game, after he and Dallas lost a road game to the Lakers in 2020. And the Lakers are appearing on Christmas for the 24th consecutive year. 25 record of 24-24, the most wins on the holiday in NBA history, one ahead of the Knicks. Before Giannis Antetokounmpo came along, the Bucks had played on Christmas only four times in their history. Fact: This is Boston’s 36th Christmas game, but only the fourth at home. They’ve dropped five of their last seven games, after a blistering 21-5 start to the season — but are coming off an impressive 121-109 win Friday over Minnesota. The NBA’s Christmas quintupleheader is Sunday, with the Grizzlies and Ja Morant set to play on Dec. If he plays and the Lakers win, it’ll be James’ 11th time walking off as a Christmas winner — another record for NBA players. If James plays, it’ll be his 17th Christmas appearance, which will break a tie with Kobe Bryant for the most in NBA history. And the defending NBA champions getting into the holiday game action. Like that matchup, the Bucks will be without Khris Middleton for Sunday’s matchup due to right knee soreness.

NBA Twitter reacts to the Philadelphia 76ers knocking off the New York Knicks on Christmas Day to begin a 4-game road trip.

A blistering performance from Jayson Tatum (41 pts) and Jaylen Brown (29 points) proved to be too much for the Bucks who fell to their third successive ...

The pick of today's action, is undoubtedly the clash at the TD Garden in Boston which sees the second placed team in the East, Milwaukee Bucks travel to Massachusetts in a repeat of the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, where the Celtics prevailed. The Bucks bring it back to just a 2 point lead for Boston. Later tonight we'll have the Grizzlies at Golden State and Suns at Nuggets rounds off a marathon NBA session. Middleton is missing his 26th game of the season. ... You've got to go out there and play good basketball, build good habits, defend and compete." to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they faced the Miami Heat. Bucks 62-64 Celtics Bucks 76-85 Celtics Bucks 86-100 Celtics Bucks 103-120 Celtics Bucks 108-124 Celtics Bucks 118-139 Celtics

After six games on the road, the Golden State Warriors are heading back home. They will take on the Memphis Grizzlies at 8 p.m. ET Sunday at Chase Center after ...

Golden State is expected to lose this next one by 6.5. - May 16, 2021 - Golden State 113 vs. - May 01, 2022 - Golden State 117 vs. - May 07, 2022 - Golden State 142 vs. - May 09, 2022 - Golden State 101 vs. - May 13, 2022 - Golden State 110 vs. Golden State was in a tough position by the half, with the score already sitting at 91-51. [NBA picks](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/picks/#ttag=SL19_lk_cbssports_nba_htw) for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Regional restrictions may apply.) One thing holding Golden State back was the mediocre play of shooting guard With Memphis ahead 59-38 at the half, the game was all but over already. Allowing an average of 117.88 points per game, the Dubs have been asleep on the defensive side of the ball and will need to wake up before the contest.

The latest BetMGM bonus code offer gives customer a nearly guaranteed bonus for NBA Christmas Day.

Your $10 bet will turn into $200 in bonus money as long as a three-pointer is made in the game you bet on. The Parlay Plus bonus on the BetMGM promotions page will give your parlay a profit boost up to 40%. You will get customized bonuses and content for the team you select. Services are available in multiple languages and are free and confidential. These are the Packers vs. After this matchup, you can bet on the Grizzlies vs. In addition to the NBA, there are several NFL games on Sunday. The BetMGM bonus code will automatically be applied when you use our links. The Celtics are favored by five points against the Bucks. Register here to activate the promotion for any matchup on Christmas. These are the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. But Gainnis Antetokounmpo is averaging over 31 a game, and they will need him on Sunday without Khris Middleton.

SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks today for Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day.

[NBA picks](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/picks/) over the past four-plus seasons. Nuggets](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/game-forecast/NBA_20221225_PHO@DEN/), and just locked in its Christmas Day NBA picks. Here are several [NBA odds](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/odds) and betting lines for Nuggets vs. [You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/suns-vs-nuggets-line-picks-advanced-computer-nba-model-releases-selections-for-sundays-christmas-matchup/#ttag=12242021_agg_cbssports_picks_basketball_nba_model_NuggetsSunsChristmas). The Nuggets are eighth in the [NBA](/nba/) in scoring (115.6), while the Suns sit in 10th (115.2). Denver is the 4.5-point favorite in the latest Suns vs. [Phoenix Suns](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/PHO/phoenix-suns/) and the [Denver Nuggets](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/DEN/denver-nuggets/) match up in a Western Conference bout that wraps up the Christmas Day [NBA schedule](/nba/schedule/). The Miami product rebounds very well for a guard and finishes strong in the paint. [Devin Booker](/nba/players/2152529/devin-booker/) (groin) is day-to-day for Phoenix. The 12-time All-Star plays with great anticipation and has a knack for steals. In his previous matchup, Murray racked up 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists. The model enters Week 10 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 28-12 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning almost $1,400.

This year's marquee Christmas Day matchup pitted two NBA MVP candidates against each other as Jayson Tatum's Boston Celtics welcomed Giannis Antetokounmpo ...

Tatum made a statement with his performance, establishing the Celtics as the clear top team in the Eastern Conference. He scored 20 points in the third quarter alone on Sunday, and he added seven rebounds, five assists and three steals to stuff the stat sheet. He out-dueled Antetokounmpo, who finished with 27 points but struggled to find a rhythm, shooting 9-of-22 from the field.

In a battle between two NBA titans, it was the Boston Celtics who dominated the second half of their Christmas Day matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.

He dominated Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Tatum scored 41 points for the second time in three days. He scored six straight Celtics points in only 49 seconds of action before Robert Williams (layup), Derrick White (free throws) and Grant Williams (3-pointer) joined in on the fun to rack up a 13-6 run to close the third period. - Joe Mazzulla on Marcus Smart That provided Boston with a 100-86 advantage heading into the final period. Boston owned just a one-point lead at halftime but extended that lead to as many as 22 points during the second half.

Christmas Day is about superstars. Get ready for the NBA's holiday helping and follow along with our expert analysis throughout the day!

[ National Basketball Association](/stories/nba/parity-rules-the-nba-ahead-of-intriguing-christmas-day-slate) Follow him on Twitter [@YaronWeitzman](https://twitter.com/YaronWeitzman). [Steph Curry](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/stephen-curry-player) went down with a shoulder injury, the Warriors are 2-3. [James Harden](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/james-harden-player). [Luka Dončić](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/luka-doncic-player) scores 31 or more. He is the only non-point guard in the top 10 in assists and the only center in the top-37 (Embiid is 38th with 4.6 assists per game). [Jayson Tatum](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/jayson-tatum-player) went off for Boston in its biggest game of the season to date, tallying 41 points on 14 of 22 shooting, seven rebounds and five assists. [Philadelphia 76ers 119, New York Knicks 112](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers-vs-new-york-knicks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39633) Forcing the ball out of his hands by double-teaming him as soon as he crossed half court worked extremely well, as Hardaway and [Spencer Dinwiddie](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/spencer-dinwiddie-player) shot a combined 1-for-10 for a total of three points. — Yaron Weitzman [Dallas Mavericks 124, Los Angeles Lakers 115](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers-vs-dallas-mavericks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39634) [LeBron James](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/lebron-james-player) to beat them — the Lakers didn’t dare do the same with Dončić. The Grizz are near the top of the West at 20-13, and have won eight of their last 11.

Jayson Tatum scored 41 for Boston on Sunday to help the Celtics beat Milwaukee 139-118 in a matchup of the top two teams in the NBA.

The NBA season is a long season, and we will be a much better basketball team by the end of this year than we are right now,” he said. “It was one of those games where you’ve just got to stick around,” Harden said. After some jawing back and forth, Antetokounmpo was given a technical foul and went to the bench. “So they’re two teams that are very familiar with each other.” Asked about his team’s ability to limit the damage done by Antetokounmpo, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said, “Limiting’s crazy. “In that moment I was just letting him know that.” Tatum scored 20 in the third quarter, when the Celtics turned a one-point lead into a 100-86 edge. The Celtics have also struggled lately, losing five of six before winning back-to-back games. Antetokounmpo, who fell hard on his hand on Friday night but was cleared to start, scored 27 points with nine rebounds. “But it’s also December 25th. “I thought I was playing pretty physical defense, nothing dirty. Brown scored 13 of his 29 points in the fourth, and Jayson Tatum scored 41 for Boston on Sunday to help the Celtics beat Milwaukee 139-118 in a matchup of the top two teams in the

Joel Embiid and James Harden were splendid in Philly's win over New York.

[LeBron James](/nba/players/400553/lebron-james/): LeBron did all he could with [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/)still sidelined, posting 38 points, six rebounds and five assists on 13-of-23 shooting, including 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. [Julius Randle](/nba/players/2135560/julius-randle/): Randle came out on fire, hitting four of his first six 3-pointers through a quarter and a half. (26) became the first trio of teammates to each score 25+ points on Christmas Day since 1962.— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) He's started the last five, and it's going to be hard to send him back to the bench after games like this. Embiid finished 12 of 22 from the field and got to the line 15 times, sinking 10. Harden has tallied a remarkable 34 assists over his last two games. The seven assists are a career high for Wood, as are the four steals he added to his line. He had a shot at 40 but was ejected for picking up a second technical foul midway through the fourth quarter. He went 10 for 10 from the free-throw line, where he's posting a career high 8.5 attempts per game this season. This fake Doncic threw on Poole entered Christmas averaging 28 points in games Stephen Curry hasn't played, and he continued that trend on Sunday with 32 points in just 29 minutes. We're 60 percent of the way through the five-game Christmas slate.

Christmas Day is about superstars. Get ready for the NBA's holiday helping and follow along with our expert analysis throughout the day!

[ National Basketball Association](/stories/nba/parity-rules-the-nba-ahead-of-intriguing-christmas-day-slate) Follow him on Twitter [@YaronWeitzman](https://twitter.com/YaronWeitzman). [Steph Curry](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/stephen-curry-player) went down with a shoulder injury, the Warriors are 2-3. [James Harden](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/james-harden-player). He is the only non-point guard in the top 10 in assists and the only center in the top-37 (Embiid is 38th with 4.6 assists per game). [Luka Dončić](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/luka-doncic-player) scores 31 or more. [Jayson Tatum](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/jayson-tatum-player) went off for Boston in its biggest game of the season to date, tallying 41 points on 14 of 22 shooting, seven rebounds and five assists. And the team also got significant contributions from Klay Thompson (24 points), Donte DiVincenzo (19 points), Ty Jerome (14 points), Anthony Lamb (11 points) and Moses Moody (10 points). Forcing the ball out of his hands by double-teaming him as soon as he crossed half court worked extremely well, as Hardaway and [Spencer Dinwiddie](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/spencer-dinwiddie-player) shot a combined 1-for-10 for a total of three points. [Philadelphia 76ers 119, New York Knicks 112](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers-vs-new-york-knicks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39633) — Yaron Weitzman [Dallas Mavericks 124, Los Angeles Lakers 115](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers-vs-dallas-mavericks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39634) [LeBron James](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/lebron-james-player) to beat them — the Lakers didn’t dare do the same with Dončić.

Jayson Tatum was the gift that kept on giving this Christmas, producing yet another MVP caliber performance against a superstar opponent.

For such an accomplishment to come against perhaps his biggest MVP competition, was the topper on Tatum’s tree. And in their first meeting of the season, Tatum was hands down the best player on the floor. He also scored 29 against Kevin Durant and the Nets and 25 against Devin Booker and the Suns, both also among the top 10. Sixth year in a row (playing on Christmas), and something I never want to take for granted. He shot a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line to the Greek Freak’s 8-of-12 effort. For reference, Tatum and Antetokounmpo were the top two vote-getters, respectively, in ESPN’s latest MVP straw poll, which featured votes from 100 media members.

SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks for Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics on Christmas Day.

- Bucks vs. 2 in the league in assists allowed (22.3 per game). The Bucks do not allow opponents to generate second-chance opportunities on the strength of a 74.3% defensive rebound rate, and Milwaukee is No. On the other end, Boston leads the league in assist prevention (22.0 assists allowed per game), with top-eight marks in defensive rebound rate (73.4%), free throw attempts allowed (21.4), and points allowed per 100 possessions (110.6). 2 in the league in giving up only 20.5 free throw attempts per game. Boston also leads the league in free throw accuracy at 82.8%, and the Celtics are in the top ten in field goal percentage (47.6%), 3-point percentage (37.6%), turnover rate (13.7%), assists (26.3 per game) and fast break points (14.7 per game). He is averaging 30.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, and the Celtics are leading the NBA in offensive rating at 116.6. Here are several [NBA odds](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/odds) and betting lines for Bucks vs. Bucks](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/game-forecast/NBA_20221225_MIL@BOS/) and just locked in its Christmas Day NBA picks. [You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/bucks-vs-celtics-line-picks-advanced-computer-nba-model-releases-selections-for-christmas-day-matchup/#ttag=12242022_agg_cbssports_picks_basketball_nba_model_BucksCelticsChristmas). Before making any Celtics vs. The

SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks today for Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.

[Tyus Jones](/nba/players/2152376/tyus-jones/) provides a spark off the bench. [Klay Thompson](/nba/players/1647559/klay-thompson/) is a marksman from the perimeter. [Dillon Brooks](/nba/players/2157680/dillon-brooks/) is an aggressive player on both ends of the floor. Here are several [NBA odds](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/odds) and betting lines for Grizzlies vs. In the month of December, Poole is averaging 25.4 points, 3.9 assists and is shooting 90% from the free-throw line. Grizzlies](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/game-forecast/NBA_20221225_MEM@GS/), and just locked in its Christmas Day NBA picks. Poole can finish at the lane through contact while owning a reliable jumper from the perimeter. [You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/grizzlies-vs-warriors-line-picks-advanced-computer-nba-model-releases-selections-for-sundays-christmas-contest/#ttag=12252022_agg_cbssports_picks_basketball_nba_model_WarriorsGrizzliesChristmas). Memphis is a 5-point favorite in the Grizzlies vs. [Golden State Warriors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/GS/golden-state-warriors/) (15-18) host [Ja Morant](/nba/players/2892772/ja-morant/) and the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MEM/memphis-grizzlies/) (20-11). The model enters Week 10 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 28-12 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning almost $1,400. Golden State will be without [Stephen Curry](/nba/players/1685204/stephen-curry/) (shoulder) as he remains out indefinitely.

Jayson Tatum scored 41 points for host Boston on Sunday to help the Celtics beat Milwaukee 139-118 in a matchup of the top two teams in the NBA.

The teams met in the second round of last year’s Eastern Conference playoffs, and the Celtics won in seven games en route to the NBA Finals. “Obviously, we lost to them last year in the playoffs and we’ve had battles with them since I’ve gotten to Milwaukee,” said Bucks guard Pat Connaughton. The NBA season is a long season, and we will be a much better basketball team by the end of this year than we are right now. After some jawing back and forth, Antetokounmpo was given a technical foul and went to the bench. Tatum scored 20 in the third quarter, when the Celtics turned a one-point lead into a 100-86 edge. He’s a great player and you’ve got to be disciplined against him.”

Also, Joel Embiid and James Harden were splendid in Philly's win over New York.

[LeBron James](/nba/players/400553/lebron-james/): LeBron did all he could with [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/)still sidelined, posting 38 points, six rebounds and five assists on 13-of-23 shooting, including 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. [Ja Morant](/nba/players/2892772/ja-morant/): Morant finished with 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds on better than 50-percent shooting, but it wasn't enough with [Desmond Bane](/nba/players/2268516/desmond-bane/)turning in a nine-point showing on 0 of 7 from 3 in his second game back after missing 17 contests. [Julius Randle](/nba/players/2135560/julius-randle/): Randle came out on fire, hitting four of his first six 3-pointers through a quarter and a half. (26) became the first trio of teammates to each score 25+ points on Christmas Day since 1962.— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) The [Boston Celtics](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BOS/boston-celtics/) ran away from the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MIL/milwaukee-bucks/) with a 139-118 win, and the depleted [Golden State Warriors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/GS/golden-state-warriors/) made a statement with a 123-109 victory over the full-strength [Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MEM/memphis-grizzlies/). (And in that other game, against Charlotte, he had 27 rebounds.) He shot 64 percent from the field against Phoenix, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line. He's started the last five, and it's going to be hard to send him back to the bench after games like this. Embiid finished 12 of 22 from the field and got to the line 15 times, sinking 10. Harden has tallied a remarkable 34 assists over his last two games. He had a shot at 40 but was ejected for picking up a second technical foul midway through the fourth quarter. He went 10 for 10 from the free-throw line, where he's posting a career high 8.5 attempts per game this season. For the second time in a week he posts a 40-point triple-double.

Jayson Tatum scored 41 points to power the NBA-best Celtics over Milwaukee 139-118.

Ja Morant had 36 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to lead the Grizzlies, who fell to 20-12. "You've got to attack the rim," Tatum said. "They are one of the best teams in the league and it's always special to play on Christmas," Tatum said. He came up big when we needed him most, especially at the beginning of the fourth," Tatum said. "If you go in there and lay it up, he's going to send it to the parking lot." "We wanted to come out in the second half, especially at the start of that third quarter, with some pace and some energy," Tatum said.

Following Golden State's win in primetime over Memphis, the NBA community on Twitter exploded with reactions. Here's a look at what players, analysts and fans were saying on Sunday evening. This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire!

Shout outs to Joel Embiid, Jordan Poole and James Harden.

[LeBron James](/nba/players/400553/lebron-james/): LeBron did all he could with [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/)still sidelined, posting 38 points, six rebounds and five assists on 13-of-23 shooting, including 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. [Ja Morant](/nba/players/2892772/ja-morant/): Morant finished with 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds on better than 50-percent shooting, but it wasn't enough with [Desmond Bane](/nba/players/2268516/desmond-bane/)turning in a nine-point showing on 0 of 7 from 3 in his second game back after missing 17 contests. [Julius Randle](/nba/players/2135560/julius-randle/): Randle came out on fire, hitting four of his first six 3-pointers through a quarter and a half. (26) became the first trio of teammates to each score 25+ points on Christmas Day since 1962.— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) The [Boston Celtics](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BOS/boston-celtics/) ran away from the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MIL/milwaukee-bucks/) with a 139-118 win, and the depleted [Golden State Warriors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/GS/golden-state-warriors/) made a statement with a 123-109 victory over the full-strength [Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MEM/memphis-grizzlies/). (And in that other game, against Charlotte, he had 27 rebounds.) He shot 64 percent from the field against Phoenix, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line. He's started the last five, and it's going to be hard to send him back to the bench after games like this. Embiid finished 12 of 22 from the field and got to the line 15 times, sinking 10. Harden has tallied a remarkable 34 assists over his last two games. He had a shot at 40 but was ejected for picking up a second technical foul midway through the fourth quarter. He went 10 for 10 from the free-throw line, where he's posting a career high 8.5 attempts per game this season. For the second time in a week he posts a 40-point triple-double.

It's the most wonderful time of the year -- a five-game, 12-hour NBA marathon.

[Giannis Antetokounmpo](/nba/players/2067655/giannis-antetokounmpo/) stars for Milwaukee. There's no [Steph Curry](/nba/players/1685204/stephen-curry/), but this game should still be great. [Russell Westbrook](/nba/players/1622555/russell-westbrook/) leads all. [We move up to Boston](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/celtics-vs-bucks-tv-channel-live-stream-nba-on-christmas-day-how-to-watch-online-time-prediction-odds/) for Bucks-Celtics at 5. A no-look pass! A full-court toss!

Christmas Day is about superstars, none of which disappointed. Catch up with all of Sunday's NBA action!

[ National Basketball Association](/stories/nba/parity-rules-the-nba-ahead-of-intriguing-christmas-day-slate) Follow him on Twitter [@YaronWeitzman](https://twitter.com/YaronWeitzman). — Melissa Rohlin [Denver Nuggets 128, Phoenix Suns 125 (OT)](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/phoenix-suns-vs-denver-nuggets-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39637) [Jamal Murray](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/jamal-murray-player) (26 points, 14 of which he scored in the fourth quarter) catapulted the Nuggets past the Suns, giving them the best present of all on Christmas: the No. [Jordan Poole](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/jordan-poole-player) had a team-high 32 points in 29 minutes. [James Harden](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/james-harden-player). [Steph Curry](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/stephen-curry-player) went down with a shoulder injury, the Warriors are 2-3. [Luka Dončić](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/luka-doncic-player) scores 31 or more. [Jaylen Brown](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/jaylen-brown-player) struggled at the free-throw line (2-for-6) but was clinically efficient everywhere else (11-19 overall, 5-9 on 3s) for 29 points. [Jayson Tatum](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/jayson-tatum-player) went off for Boston in its biggest game of the season to date, tallying 41 points on 14 of 22 shooting, seven rebounds and five assists. [Philadelphia 76ers 119, New York Knicks 112](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers-vs-new-york-knicks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39633) — Yaron Weitzman [Dallas Mavericks 124, Los Angeles Lakers 115](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers-vs-dallas-mavericks-dec-25-2022-game-boxscore-39634)

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 70 points as the Boston Celtics dismantled the Milwaukee Buck 139-118 on Christmas Day.

… Pat Connaughton, a native of nearby Arlington, Massachusetts, made his first start of the season and scored 15. The teams met in the second round of last year’s Eastern Conference playoffs, and the Celtics won in seven games en route to the NBA Finals. … The Celtics made five of their first six 3-point attempts. Boston had lost five of their last seven, and Milwaukee has now lost three in a row for the first time this season. Brown scored 13 of his 29 in the fourth, and Antetokounmpo lost his temper after a hard pick sent him to the floor and retaliated by shoving the Celtics All-Star. Their lead was down to one point, 62-61, before Bobby Portis fouled Brown on a desperation 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer.

Booker, the Suns' leading scorer, manages only four minutes before a left groin injury forces him from the game.

Phoenix managed to regroup and took the game to overtime but “I didn’t even see it,” said Suns coach Monty Williams. The All-NBA guard totaled two points in 4:20, though he entered the game averaging 28 on the season.

Rivalries, Nikola Jokić's MVP case, GMs in Rob Pelinka's DMs and more notes from a thrilling day.

These two squads now find themselves going in opposite directions: The Sixers have won eight in a row, while the Knicks have lost three straight following an ...

Memphis’ first-ever Christmas Day didn’t exactly go as planned, as Jordan Poole (32 points) and Klay Thompson (24) led the way for Golden State, which drained 18 threes in the win. Denver is now first in the West at 21-11 and has won four straight. Saint Nick saved the best for last, as Christmas Day’s nightcap was as great as it was exciting. The game is in February, but I’ll take this blowout over one of the league’s top squads as a good omen. Especially because Jayson Tatum went ahead and dropped 41 points in the win, and added Giannis Antetokounmpo to his poster trophy case. LeBron James scored 38 for the Lakers in their fourth-straight loss. Georges Niang hit four triples in the final frame alone to lead Philadelphia’s fourth-quarter charge, finishing with 16 points; Jalen Brunson had 23 points and 11 assists for the Knicks. Not bad company for JT to keep. Philly didn’t lead until there were just 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, yet despite its flat play from the opening tip, the game never felt all that out of reach. Dallas scored 51 points in the third quarter, the highest-scoring quarter on Christmas in NBA history and a league-best this season. Despite my grandfather’s protest, the NBA carried on with its Christmas slate, just like it does every year. Or, honestly, a tale of a single quarter.

This week's NBA Style Rankings feature fly suits, checkered patterns and bucket hats — and a noticeable "Star Wars" reference.

[the shoes](https://twitter.com/laclippers/status/1605751985159819264), either. The two-time NBA MVP has developed a pattern of wearing suits into the arena before games. Russell also has the white shirt to match the shoes and socks that he’s showing off by wearing hemmed pants. He’s wearing black leather pants, black shades and a checkered black-and-white sweater. The rookie is making waves on the court, but if he continues being this fly, he’ll make waves off it, too. The brown varsity jacket isn’t your average Jordan Brand jacket; it’s a collaboration with award-winning artist Travis Scott, who has consistently teamed up with Jordan to create shoes and clothes. The jacket is so eye-catching that all he added was a black T-shirt, the “6” chain representing his jersey number, a light pair of jeans and a pair of New Balances. Diallo has one of the most stylish New York Yankees jackets I’ve ever seen. It appears as though he is feeling pretty good about the current situation, on and off the court. He’s gone viral for the I want to sincerely thank everyone who reads, even if this isn’t necessarily your cup of tea — or eggnog. Being 10 weeks in with the

Catch a glimpse of some of the action in this month's photo gallery.

[Onyeka Okongwu](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/onyeka-okongwu-bLmsWSvpOez6UTps/) of the [Hawks](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/hawks/) swats this shot by [DeMar DeRozan](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/demar-derozan-1sVXxgSdLOq7XZwu/) of the Bulls in Atlanta. [De’Aaron Fox](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/deaaron-fox-HK4MAggNlmQ7dgSa/) of the Kings tries to squeeze between [Jalen Duren](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jalen-duren-dEKiN9tnTFrUpugK/) (left) and [Isaiah Stewart](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/isaiah-stewart-RZq0RaKHJrTHmA2i/) of the Pistons in Detroit. [Aaron Gordon](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/aaron-gordon-dfSD7VDfYU1PUPtL/) of the [Nuggets](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/nuggets/) applauds himself after this easy basket against the Wizards in Denver. [Keldon Johnson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/keldon-johnson-Qxtxx7Hv9piN389t/) of the [Spurs](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/spurs/) rises up and over [Jabari Smith Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jabari-smith-jr-jhkrxmmoChwb79CY/) of the [Rockets](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/rockets/) on this slam in San Antonio. [Zion Williamson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/zion-williamson-l6xjgWmi8X4OMdjm/) and the [Pelicans](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/pelicans/) have plenty to scream about this season. [Gary Trent Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/gary-trent-jr-zZoHqRt2NYjJg9ul/) of the Raptors as he shoots against the Magic in Orlando. The Big Penguin blocks this shot by [Corey Kispert](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/corey-kispert-DE1k8wy3xzCO4rpO/) of the [Wizards](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/wizards/) in Chicago. [Udonis Haslem](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/udonis-haslem-75IQvlMSw7PN5fGJ/) (now 42) of the [Heat](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/heat/) is still playing in the NBA as he battles [Alperen Şengün](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/alperen-sengun-c2JzOuogTXer3fD4/) of the Rockets in Houston. [Raptors](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/raptors/) clear the lane as MVP candidate [Jayson Tatum](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jayson-tatum-3O7MInr4zV5KKhZ5/) of the [Celtics](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/celtics/) dunks in Toronto. [Pat Connaughton](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/pat-connaughton-mJwPK9swUMhqY10l/) of the [Bucks](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/bucks/) has hops, but even he knows it’s best to get out of the way of [Lonnie Walker IV](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/lonnie-walker-iv-2sfXhCJcdZ77aJbu/)’s thunderous slam for the [Lakers](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/lakers/) in Milwaukee. [Kyrie Irving](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kyrie-irving-c9XLlxAFm6NG5ddD/) of the [Nets](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/nets/) attracts defenders when he drives to the basket. [Mason Plumlee](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/mason-plumlee-U2hHj6dKnqF8Gq2J/) (left) and [Kelly Oubre Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kelly-oubre-jr-kEpNsdsi6fZMss00/) of the [Hornets](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/hornets/) stop Irving this time in New York.

The National Basketball Association was on arguably its largest regular season stage yesterday as 10 teams filled Christmas Day with games between those ...

On a Christmas Day filled with nostalgia and surprises, that level of clarity rang out the loudest. Philadelphia also will figure in to how things shake out in the East, and Cleveland/Brooklyn loom as well. That’s not meant to be a slight at LeBron - he wants Davis to be “the guy”, and to AD’s credit much of this season so far he has been. Surely the Bucks won’t fade in to oblivion. To not live up to the hype. Where a team like Memphis, who was at the top of the West entering the day, stumbled when given a chance to show what they were capable of, Boston did not flinch. All that happened, and the likes of Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams weren’t even mentioned. But when you’re one of the youngest teams in the NBA, how much of a move do you make - if any? This is the time of year for franchises to start deciding whether to buy or sell as the trade deadline approaches. It was the Warriors roster that looked like they had the best developed talent in the NBA, not the Grizzlies. Day may be the most important slate of games on the NBA calendar, but Christmas holds historic and economic significance for the league and its players. One player in particular made his presence felt across all forms of media and backed up his step up the superstar ladder with impressive play against the defending NBA champions.

The Celtics got back to their winning ways, the Warriors humbled the Grizzlies and it was a rough day for LeBron James and the Lakers.

Unfortunately, the three-time all-star made it only four minutes against Denver before he had to call it a night. Anyone who called it an early night before the Denver Nuggets’ 128-125 victory over the Phoenix Suns made a huge mistake. The Mavericks have struggled to find shooting and consistent sources of secondary offense, and Wood helped carry them through some early dry spells against the Lakers. There’s still time for Barrett’s game to blossom, but it’s alarming that his contributions haven’t picked up since he’s been paired with Brunson, a savvy organizer and setup man. Despite an eight-game winning streak earlier this month, it’s hard to take the Knicks too seriously because Barrett, the franchise’s highest draft pick in recent years, has yet to show consistent flashes of stardom. The holiday stage allowed Melton to remind the world that he’s having a career year for the Philadelphia 76ers. Jackson was an obvious weak link, as he was limited to just 21 minutes by severe foul trouble, which has been a recurring issue throughout his career. Klay Thompson, who got a technical foul for taunting Dillon Brooks, said it was “a good night to send a message” because the two teams might square off again in the playoffs. Rather than rolling over without their superstar, Golden State's tenacious defensive spirit and championship mettle proved to be more than enough to pull off an upset against a Memphis team that entered as heavy favorites. Bottling up and frustrating Antetokounmpo has been the key to short-circuiting the Bucks in playoff losses to the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and Celtics. Antetokounmpo commanded a significant amount of defensive attention from Boston, and he couldn’t consistently find the right counters. 10, a disheartening blowout in which Jayson Tatum’s play left much to be desired.