DeRozan peeved Raptors don't play on Christmas: 'There is really no excuse'

A total of 10 teams will participate in the NBA's traditional Christmas Day schedule, including heavyweights such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, as well as the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder.

One side that wasn't chosen to participate, however, is the Toronto Raptors. In the franchise's 23-year existence, the team has only played on Dec. 25 once - a 102-94 loss to the New York Knicks in 2001.

All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan expressed his frustrations to The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears in regards to the Raptors being passed over despite winning no fewer than 48 games in each of the last four seasons.

"We've won. We've been one of the best in the league the past few years. To not get that look is definitely crazy. ... There is really no excuse," DeRozan said. "We've proven we are a top team in the league for a reason."

Aside from a customary rematch of the previous NBA Finals, the league's criteria for deciding its Christmas Day matchups is unclear. However, with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively, contemporary success doesn't appear to factor into the equation this year.

Tom Carelli, the league's senior vice president, sent Spears an email attempting to explain the NBA's approach to scheduling the premiere showcase.

"When we begin the process, we consider all 30 teams," Carelli wrote. "Working with our partners, our goal is to provide fans with compelling matchups based on storylines, rivalries, competitiveness of the teams, star players, and the history of the teams and players competing on Christmas Day.

"At the same time, we also need to factor in broadcast windows, arena availability, schedule requirements, travel, and rest and recuperation."