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NBA Christmas Day betting: Wemby's holiday debut highlights slate

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The big bad bully that is the NFL has tried to hijack Christmas Day from the NBA, but basketball fans must fight back.

We previewed the NBA's five marquee NBA Christmas Day matchups and provided our best bet from each game.

Spurs @ Knicks (-9.5, O/U 224.5)

Victor Wembanyama will make his Christmas debut at Madison Square Garden to open the slate. The Spurs are in the play-in picture at 15-14 thanks to Wembanyama's recent All-NBA-caliber run. Although the French phenom is the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, the Spurs are average defensively.

The Knicks have the league's second-best offense, and it's even better at home. After a rough start, they're playing as well as anyone: They've won five of their last six and often blow out inferior opponents.

Bet: Knicks -9.5

Timberwolves @ Mavericks (-5.5, O/U 221.5)

The Timberwolves are a team to bet against right now. Trading for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns was more about Minnesota's money situation than basketball fit, but the decision looks disastrous so far. Randle's presence changes how the T-Wolves play and hinders their spacing. They're 14-14 and 10th in the West, having lost three straight.

The Mavericks have won 10 of their last 12 and feature a top-five offense and a top-10 defense. While Doncic is Dallas' superstar, Kyrie Irving has often played the role of Batman this season. Irving and Doncic have histories of showing up on Christmas: Doncic scored 50 last year, and Irving's had multiple 35-plus-point performances. Go with the team that's rolling against a group struggling to find an identity.

Bet: Mavs -5.5

Sixers @ Celtics (-10.5, O/U 222.5)

The Sixers' season hasn't exactly gone according to plan. Although many declared their signing of Paul George the best offseason move, their Big Three of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and George has started and finished just two games together, and Philadelphia enters the game with a 10-17 record.

The Celtics, meanwhile, haven't experienced a championship hangover. They are 22-7 and have the NBA's third-best net rating. Boston is undoubtedly better than Philly, especially as the Sixers have lacked opportunities to build chemistry. But are the Celtics 10.5 points better? That's a lot.

The Sixers need to show up on a big stage eventually. Embiid was ejected against the Spurs on Monday night, but his team won anyway. Embiid looks healthier and Philly's won three of its last four. The Sixers should carry their recent momentum into Boston.

Bet: Sixers +10.5

Lakers @ Warriors (-3.5, O/U 224.5)

This primetime matchup features two teams headed for the play-in with declining superstars who shaped the last generation of basketball. Even if Steph Curry and LeBron James aren't at the peak of their powers, they command a large audience.

Both teams got off to hot starts but have struggled over the last month. The Warriors have lost four of their last five games. The Lakers are playing better since James took a week off, but they lost to the Pistons on Monday after winning three straight.

James is the all-time Christmas Day scoring leader and typically dominates on the holiday. He's looked healthier and fresher over the last week after showing obvious signs of decline throughout the first part of the season.

Strangely, Curry has struggled on Christmas Day throughout his career. He isn't playing at an All-NBA caliber this season, but the Warriors need him to perform at that level to compete in a deep Western Conference.

Bet: Lakers +3.5

Nuggets @ Suns (+2.5, O/U 233.5)

The Nuggets routed the Suns 117-90 on Monday night. However, Devin Booker was out for Phoenix, the game was in Denver, and it was a smaller stage than Christmas Day.

Booker's status for Wednesday is uncertain, but the 14-14 Suns desperately need him after losing three straight. Injuries have once again derailed a once-promising Suns season.

Phoenix is hard to beat when Booker and Kevin Durant both play. Durant is playing at a high level and has historically dominated on Christmas Day. The Nuggets are trending in the right direction, but they've been haunted by their role players' inconsistency. If Booker's playing, take the Suns to avenge Monday's loss.

Bet: Suns +2.5

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.

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