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NBA Power Rankings: All 5 NBA Christmas games ranked

By Dallin Duffy

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 25: Christmas branding on the basketball stantion prior to an NBA game between the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 25, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 25: Christmas branding on the basketball stantion prior to an NBA game between the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 25, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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NBA Power Rankings: All 5 NBA Christmas games ranked
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 25: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz drives past Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 25, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah, NBA Power Rankings: All 5 NBA Christmas games ranked. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, it’s Christmas time, which for NBA fans means ignoring your family to watch some of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

The league has consistently filled the holiday with top-tier tilts, and this year is no different. The 2021 Christmas Day slate has five spectacular games. Some are better than others, however, which we aim to highlight here.

We’ll be ranking the five contests and giving a brief preview of each matchup. Let’s get rolling.

NBA Power Rankings: NBA Christmas games – 5. Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz

As mentioned, none of the Christmas games are bad, but if there is one to skip and go spend some time with your family, this is probably the choice. For starters, the biggest draw of this match, Luka Doncic, isn’t a guarantee to play.

Dallas’ superstar is currently sidelined with a nagging ankle injury that is expected to keep him out for at least a few more games. His return by December 25th is possible, but far from a sure thing.

On the other hand, the game will likely be entertaining merely thanks to the Jazz. They’ve picked up right where they left off in the last regular season and are currently one of the best squads in the league. Defensive-minded, yet also full of offensive stars, the team is just as fun to watch as they are hard to beat.

The game will be cant-miss TV if Doncic plays, but even if he’s out, it should be a strong contest, even if it’s the weakest of the batch.

NBA Christmas Day history: For the Jazz, this is just their second Christmas Day game since 2000. They beat Portland in 2018. It’ll be the Mavericks’ fifth time playing on the holiday. They are 2-2 over the first four.