NBA Christmas Day Betting Matchups

The Orlando Magic aren’t discussed in the same light as the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers, but it’s about time people start taking note of what they have done.

The Magic have won 22 of their first 28 games this season and have only lost four times in their last 18 games. Those losses came in Boston, in Phoenix, home to Houston and home to Portland, four teams who have a combined record of 80-34.

The Hornets have been hot of late as well, seven of their last nine games, but the Hornets have struggled on the road against quality opponents. Look for the Magic to extend that slump.

Pick: Orlando Magic

San Antonio Spurs (18-10) @ Phoenix Suns (16-11)

The Phoenix Suns continue to retool and reshape their team but it’s pretty clear that their best days are behind them. Even so, the Suns are 3-1 since acquiring athletic shooting guard Jason Richardson and seem somewhat invigorated.

Meanwhile, the Spurs are starting to hit their stride as well and have won nine of their last 11 games. The Spurs defense has been solid but their offense has actually keyed this hot stretch. Look for the Suns to clamp down defensively and get a win in front of their home crowd.

Pick: Phoenix Suns

Boston Celtics (27-2) @ Los Angeles Lakers (23-5)

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers may only be separated by a couple of games in the standings but the team chemistry indicates that the two teams are heading in different directions.

For the Celtics, the grass couldn’t be greener as everyone on the team is sharing the ball and growing together. For the Lakers, it’s non-stop complaints from Lamar Odom, to Phil Jackson, to Andrew Bynum to Sasha Vujacic.

The Lakers showed a propensity to get soft against the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals but that won’t happen on Christmas day. Look for the Lakers to exact some meaningless, regular season revenge.

Pick: Los Angeles Lakers

Washington Wizards (4-22) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (24-4)

The Washington Wizards will need a miracle on Christmas if they plan to leave Cleveland with a win. The Wizards have as many wins this season as the Cavaliers have losses, which is an ominous sign.

The Cavaliers are simply rolling right now and are gelling as team. They are a franchise-best 14-0 at home this season and have only one loss in their last 15 games.

The Wizards have fired their head coach but the move has not sparked any sort of change. Look for the Cavs to roll through the Wizards with ease on Thursday.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers

Dallas Mavericks (16-11) @ Portland Trail Blazers (18-11)

The Dallas Mavericks have picked up their game of late, winning 13 of their last 17 games. But at a closer look, the Mavericks have done a good job of pummeling weak opponents while they’ve struggled against quality teams.

The Mavericks four losses (in the hot streak) have to San Antonio, Denver, New Jersey and the Los Angeles Lakers.

On Thursday, the Mavericks will face the Trail Blazers, who have won 10 of their 12 home games this year and have gone 17-8 after a 1-3 start.

The Blazers are climbing the ranks in the Western Conference and look for them to step over the Mavericks with a win on Thursday.

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers