Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! This year’s Christmas games were filled with excitement, clutch moments, and standout performances. As LeBron James famously said, “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.” I couldn’t agree more, especially with all the recent talk about the NBA’s declining appeal.
Here are three key takeaways from the five Christmas matchups with a fantasy perspective.
Game 1: Knicks 117, Spurs 114
Victor Wembanyama’s Memorable Christmas Debut
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Wembanyama made a statement in his first Christmas game, putting up an impressive stat line of 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and a steal. His performance earned him a whopping 78.5 fantasy points, the highest of any player on Christmas day.
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Wembanyama became only the third player in NBA history to achieve at least 40 points and 15 rebounds on Christmas.
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He has been a fantasy force in recent weeks, showcasing his unique skills that make him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
Mikal Bridges Shines Bright
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Bridges surprised many with his outstanding performance on Christmas, scoring 41 points with great efficiency and hitting 6 three-pointers.
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Despite initial doubts, Bridges has improved his shooting and has been a key player for the Suns, leading the league in minutes played over the past month.
Josh Hart Makes an Impact
Game 2: Timberwolves 105, Mavericks 99
Luka Dončić’s Injury and Its Effects
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Dončić’s early exit from the game due to injury opened up opportunities for other Mavericks players like Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie.
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Dinwiddie is a priority pickup in fantasy leagues, especially with Dončić’s absence.
Anthony Edwards Makes His Mark
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Edwards showcased his skills in his first Christmas game, contributing 26 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals for the Timberwolves.
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He continues to be a valuable player in fantasy leagues, ranking in the top 50 in 9-cat leagues.
Naz Reid’s Struggles
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Reid’s underwhelming performance on Christmas was a disappointment after his recent strong showings. He will need to bounce back from this slump and improve his shooting efficiency.
Game 3: 76ers 118, Celtics 114
Tyrese Maxey’s Stellar Performance
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Maxey delivered an impressive performance, scoring 33 points, 12 assists, and three steals for the Sixers.
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Despite some efficiency issues, Maxey has shown improvement in his shooting and has been a key player for Philadelphia.
Kristaps Porziņģis’ Injury Concerns
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Porziņģis’ early exit from the game due to an ankle injury raises concerns for the Mavericks, with Al Horford being a potential fantasy asset if Porziņģis misses time.
Caleb Martin’s Emergence
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Martin stepped up with a strong performance, making him a viable option for fantasy managers in need of 3-pointers and steals.
Game 4: Lakers 115, Warriors 113
Austin Reaves’ Heroics
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Reaves’ outstanding performance, including a triple-double, helped the Lakers secure a win over the Warriors.
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He has been a key contributor for the Lakers, especially with D’Angelo Russell sidelined.
Steph Curry’s Shooting Display
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Curry’s impressive shooting performance against the Lakers showcased his elite skills and impact on the game.
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Despite some recent shooting struggles, Curry remains a dominant force in the league.
LeBron James’ Historic Christmas Performance
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With Anthony Davis injured, LeBron stepped up with a stellar performance, becoming the first player to surpass 500 points on Christmas day.
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James’ importance to the Lakers remains crucial for fantasy managers, especially if Davis is sidelined.
Game 5: Suns 110, Nuggets 100
KD and Beal Lead Suns to Victory
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The Suns’ duo of KD and Beal combined for 50 points, showcasing their scoring prowess in a crucial win over the Nuggets.
Christian Braun’s Struggles Continue
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Braun’s lackluster performance on Christmas highlights his recent struggles, making him a less appealing option for fantasy managers.
Aaron Gordon’s Injury Concerns
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Gordon’s departure from the game due to a back injury raises questions about his availability moving forward, with Peyton Watson potentially stepping in if Gordon is sidelined.