Christmas Day Betting Action in the NBA Sportsbook!

Christmas is here but that doesn’t mean basketball betting fans should take the day off.  After all, the NBA isn’t taking the day off.  The pro basketball league is putting on 5 games this Dec. 25th.

The highlight, obviously, is Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers tackling LeBron James and the Miami Heat, but there are 3 more games on the schedule that deserve betting attention from hoops handicappers.

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? Find out more exciting details HERE.]

Let’s take a look at the other three big Dec. 25th games in the sportsbook!

Dec. 25th – NBA Games

Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks

Where:  Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York

When:  12:00 pm EST

Fair NBA Odds:  Over 223 ½ 

Analysis:  The last time these two teams met New York beat Chicago 120 to 112.  There’s no doubt that the Knicks will be favored in the basketball betting sports book, but I’m not ready to back either team in this matchup ATS.  To me, unless the total is over 223 ½, betting over the total makes the most sense.  The largest total so far on a New York Knicks game this season has been 221 ½ when New York beat Denver 129 to 125.  Chicago averages 100.9 points per game and they Bulls shoot 47% from the field. They will take the open shot and New York gives up a lot of open shots. The Knicks score close to 108 per game.  These teams should really go after each other on Christmas Day.  

Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

Where:  Amway Center, Orlando, Florida

When:  2:30 pm EST

Fair NBA Odds:  Boston -6 ½       

Analysis:  Too bad the San Antonio Spurs battle Mickey’s Club on Thursday night as -2 ½ point dogs or else Boston might get a chance to go into Orlando as 2 ½ point dogs on Christmas Day.  What a gift that would be to NBA odds betting handicappers!  The Magic is flat out awful after making the trade for Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson. 

Phoenix could get away with those two in the starting lineup because they have Steve Nash running the point.  Jameer Nelson is good, but he’s no Nash.  Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat added some needed muscle upfront off of the bench.  Now, Dwight Howard is really all alone in the middle.  Gilbert Arenas isn’t close to being the player he used to be while the Big 3 from Boston is still the Big 3.  Boston is 9 and 4 ATS on the road.  I’ll back them all the way up to -6 ½ to cover as road faves versus the Magic on JC’s B’Day.

Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder

Where:  Oklahoma City Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

When:  8:00 pm EST

Fair NBA Odds:  Over 209 ½  

Analysis:  Make sure to check the lineups before making an NBA betting lines wager on this game.  ‘Melo took off from the Nuggets after someone in his family passed away on Wednesday.  I’m sure he’ll be back in time for the Thunder game on Christmas Day, but you never know.  If ‘Melo is back, then I’d go ahead and bet over the total at 209 ½ or under.  I know it seems high, but the Thunder averages 103.7 points per game and the over is 11 and 4 when OKC plays at home this season.  Denver averages 107.3 points per game and gives up 105.1 per game.  The over is only 3 and 7 in Denver’s away games, but I just have the feeling that ‘Melo on the same floor as Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on Christmas Day should bring major fireworks.   

Bet on NBA Christmas Day games in the sportsbook, click here!