Phoenix Suns out to shine on NBA's Christmas Day slate

Christmas comes but once a year. But when it comes, it brings … a starry NBA slate.

Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns (10pm GMT) 

The most fun present in Santa’s sack is a potential shootout between the best two teams in the NBA.

But for all their wondrous and entertaining offense and a ferociousness that makes the Suns the top-paced squad in the league, this also brings its top two defenses head-to-head.

Suns out to take down Warriors

Golden State may be without Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole but the Dubs – favourites for the Western Conference title at 3.55 – can at least look to learn from two prior meetings with the Suns this month in which Phoenix averaged 100 points. Laying against over 225.5 total points fits in with their trend.

However Devon Booker’s return alters the narrative for the surging Suns who are 1.66 for the victory.

Tip: Back Phoenix to defeat Golden State at 1.66

Atlanta Hawks @ New York Knicks (5pm GMT)

The Hawks, the startling surprises of last season, have rather crash landed this season. Neither good, nor bad. Not a safe bet, even in New York where the Knicks had not won in a month before knocking off the Detroit Pistons last Tuesday.

And, as with so many games at present, Covid is going to tilt the odds.

Trae Young’s positive test this week seems all but certain to keep him home for Christmas rather than making the trip to Madison Square Garden. That’s just more bad news for Atlanta who have been shorn of Euro trio Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and Clint Capela in recent days.

That’s translated into seven losses out of 10 including a 99-90 reverse to their Yuletide foes when Young scored 33.

The Knicks primary issue has been a sub-par offense and defense, leaving them 6-16 when opponents pick up over 100 points.

Yet with the Hawks set to lose their scoring focal point, that opens the door to some good cheer in NYC where the Knicks are 1.43 for the win

Tip: Take under 215.5 total points in Hawks - Knicks at 1.43

Boston Celtics @ Milwaukee Bucks (7.30pm GMT)

The reigning champions had been rolling nicely until they had their own virus hit last week and were left without their entire starting five – with Giannis Antetokounmpo in health and safety protocols and Khris Middleton tweaking his knee.

That meant three defeats in five games heading into Christmas Eve, including a 117-103 loss in Boston.

The NBA’s 2021 MVP is a probable scratch for the Christmas clash with the Celtics although if he can be cleared, it would utterly move the needle.

The Celtics are hovering around .500 but have the second-weakest strength of schedule left. Their slow pace could benefit the short roster of Milwaukee and make this a grind that ends up with fewer than 225.5 points.

But there is enough scoring potency, including the capture of former All Star Joe Johnson on a temporary contract, that taking the Cs for an upset win at 3.1 isn’t the long shot that the rivals’ respective records suggest.

Tip: Take Boston for the win over Milwaukee at 3.1

Recommended Bets:

Back Phoenix to defeat Golden State at 1.66

Take under 215.5 total points in Hawks - Knicks at 1.43

Boston for the win over Milwaukee at 3.1