This year’s biggest events include five NBA games and three NFL games, with games lasting more than 12 hours.
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Here’s a look at the top matchups, as well as some you can probably skip, as you prepare for the holidays.
Clear the schedule
Spurs vs Thunder, 2:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC – Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are one of the league’s up-and-coming teams, reaching the NBA Cup Final before losing to the Knicks last week. The Thunder won a championship last season and have the best record in the league this year at 25-3. Adding some spice: The Spurs eliminated the Thunder from the NBA Cup in the semifinals earlier this month.
Rockets vs. Lakers, 8 p.m., ESPN/ABC — Savor this one, because it’s hard to believe we’ll get many more chances to see Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James, particularly on Christmas Day. Durant, 37, continues to make buckets for the Rockets, while James, 40, continues to play at a high level in his 23rd NBA season.
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One eye on the gifts, the other on the game.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, 10:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC – There’s nothing wrong with this game between two of the best teams in the NBA’s Western Conference. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is putting together another ridiculous season, averaging a triple-double for the Nuggets. They will face the Timberwolves, who feature the always entertaining and high-flying Anthony Edwards.
Lions vs Vikings, 4:30 p.m., Netflix – This is the best game of a disappointing NFL schedule, featuring a Lions team that must win if it wants to keep its slim playoff hopes alive. The division rival Vikings have had a frustrating season, but they would love to play spoilsport and have won their last three games.
Cavaliers vs Knicks, 12 p.m., ESPN/ABC – The Knicks just won the NBA Cup and might have their best team in years thanks to the core of Jalen Brunson, Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges. They will face a Cavaliers team that has fallen back to .500 this season after leading the Eastern Conference with 64 wins last year.
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Broncos vs Chiefs, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video – Well, this one looked appealing a few months ago, but the fact that Kansas City is eliminated from the playoff race and has lost its two best quarterbacks to knee injuries has put a damper on the mood. On the positive side, the Broncos have been one of the best teams in the NFL and are trying to stay ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers and win the AFC West.
Maybe time for a nap?
Mavericks vs Warriors, 5 p.m., ESPN/ABC – Many Mavericks fans received an early Christmas gift when general manager Nico Harrison, architect of the infamous Luka Doncic trade, was fired earlier this season. The problem is that Dallas still isn’t playing well, although rookie Cooper Flagg’s improvement is an encouraging sign. Veteran Warriors star Stephen Curry is capable of big nights like his 48-point performance against the Blazers earlier this month, but Golden State’s glory days appear to be coming to an end.
Cowboys at Commanders, 1 p.m., Netflix – There will be a lot of eyes on this game just because it’s the Cowboys and the Commanders, but there’s not much here in terms of what’s at stake. Both teams have been eliminated from the playoff race and Washington starting QB Jayden Daniels is out for the season after aggravating an elbow injury in Week 14.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA, AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL