The NBA's Christmas Day fixtures are traditionally a highlight of the basketball season, drawing fans and viewers worldwide.
This year’s slate of games, set to be held on Thursday (IST), however, has been overshadowed by a series of injuries to key players, potentially affecting the matchups fans were most eagerly anticipating.
Devin Booker, the star guard for the Phoenix Suns, will be sitting out of the highly anticipated clash against the Denver Nuggets due to a groin strain. This marks his third consecutive game on the sidelines.
The Suns, who are currently 11th in the Western Conference with a balanced 14-14 record, will be looking to find a way to compete without one of their leading players.
One of the marquee games of the day, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors, has also been affected by injury concerns.
LeBron James, a player whose presence has been crucial for the Lakers this season, has been listed as questionable after missing two games due to left foot soreness.
The team has opted for a cautious approach, managing his injury to avoid further setbacks. In addition to LeBron, fellow star Anthony Davis is also a doubt for the game due to a shoulder injury.
Both players had featured in the Lakers' narrow 114-117 loss to the Detroit Pistons, but their availability for the Christmas Day game is now uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, currently in fourth place in the Western Conference, have been performing well this season, hoping to build on their success from last year.
However, their star player Luka DonÄiÄ, who had missed two games last week due to a left heel injury, is now listed as questionable for the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
DonÄiÄ had returned for the Mavs’ victory against the Portland Trail Blazers but his status remains uncertain ahead of Thursday’s clash.
In another key matchup, the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, will host the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. However, they may have to do so without the services of their star forward, Jayson Tatum.
Tatum was absent from Boston's game against the Orlando Magic on Monday due to illness, and while his availability for the Christmas Day game is still up in the air, the Celtics will be hoping for his swift recovery to help them secure a win.
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