The NBA season begins in October. While rather obvious, it doesn’t hold for a large majority of the NBA fanbase. Even though the In-Season Tournament brought some interest in the early season, the games truly begin with Christmas. In a tradition that is becoming increasingly prevalent, the NBA has a grand slate of games in store for the “newcomers”. Usually, the league’s best, most exciting, and most marketable teams get the biggest slice of the pie. And this year is no different. As the festive spirit comes out, two NBA Champions were ready to bring viewers up to date. Running down each game individually, Boston Celtics legends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce made their picks for the NBA Christmas Day Games.

The first encounter, of course, sees one of the best players in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo, take center stage.

Bucks at Knicks has Kevin Garnett feeling Freaky

Despite the common grain suggesting a Milwaukee Bucks victory, Pierce is favoring the home side. As the New York Knicks take home court, the non-superstar-led Knicks might falter against a team with two of them. Following a rough start, the Bucks have flipped the script on their season.

The Damian Lillard and Antetokounmpo pairing continues to prosper as they sit barely outside the best team in the league record. Could Christmas Day finally take them over the hump? KG certainly thinks so. “Greek just got 60, y’all tripping.” 

However, the second game might be an ever-stronger affair. The red-hot Golden State Warriors do battle against the team to beat. The defending champions – the Denver Nuggets.

Stephen Curry turns into Batman

Even though the Nuggets are the defending champions and Nikola Jokic has as solid a case as any for being the best player in the league, the Celtics’ legendary duo isn’t willing to bet against Stephen Curry. “You know how Steph be on that stage dog.”

While not fully convinced, Kevin Garnett chose to go with Denver, but only because Paul  Pierce got first pickings and chose Golden State. Can Curry find the answer to the Joker? 

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The next game, however, had a bit of personal bias from the legends. Celebrating the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport, Game No.3 has Boston facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers. Can Father Time continue to be denied?

Can LeBron James pull off a Christmas miracle?

Both teams stand on opposite ends of the spectrum. While Boston is formally among the best teams in the league, the Lakers are having a rough time finding their footing. Despite winning the In-Season tournament, LeBron James and Co. continue to flounder.

With his 39th birthday days away, how much gas does James have left in the tank? Could a major showcase with the nation watching finally prompt that elusive trade in La La land? Both the former MVP and Finals MVP think so. The two of them weren’t willing to let go of their Celtics pride, opting to ride with Bean Town.The next match, however, had the two once again split in their opinions.

Kevin Garnett believes Joel Embiid will feel the Heat

After a monstrous run throughout December,  Joel Embiid is firmly atop the MVP discussion. Despite last season’s playoff struggles and the James Harden drama, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves among the best teams in the league. On the other hand, last year’s runner-ups, the Miami Heat are flailing.

So, with last year’s MVP averaging a mind-boggling 35.1 points per game in the season, Paul Pierce is going the easy route. The Big Ticket, however, isn’t sold. His belief in Heat Culture triumphs over Joel’s greatness. “I like the Heat at home man. It’s tough to beat them.” 

The last game could turn out to be the most feisty of the bunch, though. With a ton of history between the sides, it could be an explosive encounter.

Luka Magic trumps “too top-heavy” Suns

Despite creating an epic Big 3 in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns have had a hard time getting off the ground running. In the first slate of the season, the team is barely managing a .500 record. And, KG has the reasons for it figured out. “I worry about Phoenix, P. I think it’s too top-heavy for KD.” 

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“P” wasn’t convinced, though. “I think Phoenix gonna pop. They need a signature win.” Garnett, however, was trusting his instincts. “Imma take the Mavs man.” With Luka Doncic rivaling the statistical numbers of any player in the league today, betting against him is a fool’s errand.

With both teams missing a star player, who can find that next gear? Due to the history between Doncic and the Suns, this one could end up being the best matchup. All in all, a perfect way to round out the Christmas slate of NBA games.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

Finishing off their predictions column, the superstar duo would offer the best wishes to fans tuning in. With their picks set in stone, who will come away with the victory? With the NBA season finally “beginning”, which team can take the first advantage?

What are your picks for the Christmas slate? Let us know in the comments below.