NBA Christmas Day predictions, picks: Best bets with Celtics, Lakers, Warriors, Knicks, more in holiday action

The New York Knicks faced the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day, with Victor Wembanyama showcasing his talent in a close 117-114 loss. Wembanyama's impressive performance included 42 points, 18 rebounds, and key defensive plays, positioning him as a rising star in the league. Despite the Spurs' defeat, Wembanyama's standout game highlighted his potential to become a future NBA superstar, signaling a new era for the league's emerging talent. Full Article

The Boston Celtics will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day in a highly anticipated NBA matchup, with the Celtics being 8.5-point favorites. The Celtics are looking strong with a 22-7 record, while the Sixers, at 10-17, are showing signs of improvement. The SportsLine Projection Model favors the Celtics in this game, projecting a total of 222 points and a strong likelihood of covering the spread. Full Article

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is reportedly seeking a trade to a "win-now contender" by the Feb. 6 deadline, but has not formally requested a trade from the Heat. With Butler in his 14th NBA season and in the final year of his contract, he's looking to join teams like the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, or Houston Rockets in pursuit of a championship. Although the Heat have...

Dru Smith's season with the Miami Heat is over after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon in a game against the Brooklyn Nets. Smith, who was undrafted out of Missouri in 2022, averaged 6.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 14 games this season before the injury. Despite the setback, the Heat rallied to a 110-95 win over the Nets, led by 23 points from Bam Adebayo, breaking a three-game losing streak and improving their record...

Devin Booker will be sidelined for the Phoenix Suns' Christmas game against the Denver Nuggets due to a left groin strain, along with Grayson Allen and Bol Bol. Jamal Murray is questionable for the Nuggets with an ankle sprain. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell are all questionable for the Lakers' game against the Warriors, while Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White are questionable for the Celtics' game against the 76ers. Luka Dončić...