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Daily Read: Sports & Health

Which NBA Teams Should Play on Christmas?

The podcast hosts discuss which NBA teams would make the most exciting Christmas Day matchups. Kevin Durant’s absence is highlighted, noting it’s only the second time he’s not on the Christmas roster since 2009. LeBron James and Stephen Curry are mentioned as expected participants, but the hosts argue that a game featuring the Dallas Mavericks, led by rookie guard Jalen Cooper, would be a marquee event. Other potential matchups include the Detroit Pistons, the Denver Nuggets, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and the Thunder’s LaMelo Ball also mentioned. The discussion reflects fan enthusiasm for seeing emerging talents like Cooper in high‑profile games, while acknowledging the legacy stars that fans already anticipate. Listeners are encouraged to watch the full conversation on ESPN’s YouTube channel for more insights.

· Watch on ESPN

The essential points

  1. 01Kevin Durant’s absence marks only the second time he’s missed a Christmas Day game since 2009.
  2. 02The hosts favor a Dallas Mavericks‑vs‑Nuggets matchup featuring rookie guard Jalen Cooper.
  3. 03Other contenders include the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder with LaMelo Ball.
  4. 04The podcast invites listeners to follow the full discussion on ESPN’s YouTube channel.
The full brief

The podcast hosts discuss which NBA teams would make the most exciting Christmas Day matchups. Kevin Durant’s absence is highlighted, noting it’s only the second time he’s not on the Christmas roster since 2009. LeBron James and Stephen Curry are mentioned as expected participants, but the hosts argue that a game featuring the Dallas Mavericks, led by rookie guard Jalen Cooper, would be a marquee event.

Other potential matchups include the Detroit Pistons, the Denver Nuggets, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and the Thunder’s LaMelo Ball also mentioned. The discussion reflects fan enthusiasm for seeing emerging talents like Cooper in high‑profile games, while acknowledging the legacy stars that fans already anticipate. Listeners are encouraged to watch the full conversation on ESPN’s YouTube channel for more insights.