Christmas Day in the US always puts on a fantastic slate in the NBA and this season is no exception. Action gets underway at 4am on Boxing Day (AEDT), and there are five cracking games for fans and punters to jump into. Here, we’ll focus on the three later games and bring you our free betting tips for each. Good luck to everyone following and enjoy the action!
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major slates for each and every week of the 2024-25 season!
NBA Betting Tips: Boxing Day 2024
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics (9:00am AEDT)
The 76ers take on the Celtics in a Boxing Day matchup with two Eastern Conference teams on opposite ends of the standings. Boston has been dominant this season, boasting an offensive rating of 119.7 and a defensive rating of 110.1. They’ve been particularly strong from three-point range, shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc, which has been a key factor in their success.
Philadelphia, with a 10-17 record, has struggled to find consistency. Their offensive rating sits at 108.5, which places them in the lower half of the league, and their defensive rating of 113.1 has been a point of concern. To compete with Boston, the 76ers will need to improve their offensive flow and tighten up defensively, particularly against Boston’s shooting threat. Limiting turnovers and finding ways to control the pace of the game will be crucial for Philadelphia.
Boston looks to be the clear favourite in this matchup. Their balanced approach, featuring a potent offence and solid defence, puts them in a strong position, especially at home. If they can exploit Philadelphia’s defensive weaknesses and capitalise on their own shooting, the Celtics should comfortably take this one on Christmas Day.
Celtics -8.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors (12:00pm AEDT)
The Golden State Warriors come into the Boxing Day matchup with an offensive rating of 112.4 and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.1%. Their ball movement has been impressive, averaging 29 assists per game, showcasing their unselfish playstyle. Despite their offensive strengths, the Warriors' defence has been inconsistent, with a defensive rating of 110.4. Their defensive struggles, particularly in limiting paint points and defending the perimeter, could be areas for the Lakers to exploit in this game.
The Los Angeles Lakers, with a 16-13 record, have been solid on both ends of the floor. They rank highly in both rebounds and offensive rebounds per game, and this advantage in securing second-chance opportunities could be crucial against Golden State’s more perimeter-focused play. The Lakers also shoot 47.1% from the field, showing their efficiency on offense. However, their defensive rating of 115.1 indicates they need to tighten up on that end of the court, particularly in limiting fast-break points and defending the three-point line.
This game will likely hinge on the Lakers' ability to control the boards and impose their size advantage on Golden State. If Los Angeles can dominate in the paint and limit the Warriors' three-point shooting, they should have a significant edge. With Golden State’s defensive struggles, especially in the paint, the Lakers are well-positioned to take advantage of these weaknesses and secure a victory on Boxing Day.
Lakers to Win
$2.45 (2 Units)
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns (2:30pm AEDT)
The Denver Nuggets are set to take on the Phoenix Suns on Boxing Day, entering the game with a 16-11 record and sitting fifth in the Western Conference. They’ve been playing well lately, going 4-1 in their last five games. Denver’s offense is clicking, with an impressive 116.5 offensive rating and a solid 36.9% from three-point range. Defensively, they’ve also been strong, holding a 112.4 defensive rating. Nikola Jokić continues to be the team’s driving force, contributing significantly to both scoring and playmaking.
The Suns, meanwhile, are 14-13 and have struggled with consistency, winning just two of their last five matchups. Their offensive rating is 114.2, and they’re shooting 36.6% from three, but defensive issues have held them back. With a defensive rating of 116.7, the Suns have had trouble stopping opponents in the paint and containing fast-break plays.
The key for the Nuggets will be to dominate the paint and control the glass. They average 45.4 rebounds per game, including 11 offensive rebounds, which gives them plenty of second-chance points. If Denver can keep up its efficiency and exploit Phoenix’s defensive weaknesses, they should be able to come out on top. It’s set to be an exciting matchup, and with Denver’s current form, they are the deserving favourites in this one.
Nuggets -2.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
