There are five wonderful games on this holiday that truly belongs to the NBA. Although the NFL is infringing on the NBA’s official holiday, the NBA has all claims to the holiday. The first game was played at Madison Square Garden, when Harry S. Truman was president, in 1947.

Today the first game is at Madison Square Garden and features a match between two teams with records above .500. What a great way to start the holiday with the New York Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs.

 

 

 

San Antonio Spurs: Zat You Santa Claus?

The San Antonio Spurs could have several Christmas games in their future with the marquee player of the NBA, Victor Wembanyama. However it’s the old man with the grey beard, Chris Paul, that reminds us of Louis Armstrong’s 1953 hit. 

Paul has seen several Christmas games in his career, and the second all-time assists leader could have a few “old” tricks up his sleeve. He could also deliver the Big Apple a large lump of coal as an unwanted Santa Claus.

 

 

 

New York Knicks: The Christmas Song

There are several all-time classics for the Christmas holidays. Jingle Bells is older (1857), and Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer is more popular, but Nat King Cole’s classic is THE Christmas Song. The New York Knicks are the first team to host a Christmas game, 77 years ago! The song seems fitting for the Knicks.

Both Cole’s song and Knicks basketball can stir a lot of emotions and today is a special day for the team that has played more Christmas games than any other franchise.

 

 

 

San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup

New York Knicks Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Spurs vs. Knicks Predictions & Picks Today: Christmas Day

The spread is currently -9 points in favor of the New York Knicks. That seems a little high against a team with a winning record, but the Knicks have the capability of outscoring the Spurs by ten or more points.

With that in mind a player prop is suggested for the bet on this first NBA game.

 

 

 

Spurs vs. Knicks Prediction: Karl-Anthony Towns Under 13.5 Rebounds (-130 on DraftKings)

Karl-Anthony Towns has been one of the best players of this season, and the New York Knicks have benefitted from it. Towns has benefitted as well in what could be his career best season, in part with working with Head Coach Tom Thibodeau. He is a fantastic fit for what Thibodeau needs and wants from a center.

One of the career marks Towns is set to make has been influenced by the effort Thibodeau demands. That is his rebounding. Towns is currently averaging 13.9 rebounds per game, over 1.5 more than his current best. That has caused his rebounding line to be set really high. 

He has gone over those marks in seven of his last nine games played, but most recently “only” has ten. The Spurs are playing with great height and Victor Wembanyama and Jeremey Sochan could create problems for Towns. Not to mention his own teammates Josh Hart and OG Anunoby who will want to shine under the national spotlight.

As great a rebounder as Karl-Anthony Towns is, put a unit on his under against a better than average rebounding team.

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-