As the holiday season envelops us, the NBA is gifting fans with a trio of must-watch matchups on December 22, 2025. With star-studded rosters and playoff implications at stake, these games promise to provide more excitement than a present under the tree. Let's dive into what makes each of these contests so compelling.
Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans
The first game on our list is a battle of rising stars as the Dallas Mavericks travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans. Our GameSim model gives the Pelicans a slight edge with a predicted victory at 112.7-107.8, boasting a 56% win probability. The Vegas line is tight, with New Orleans favored by just 1.5 points, which speaks to the evenly matched nature of these squads.
For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III is expected to be a key figure with projections of 18.2 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Zion Williamson's return to form is anticipated with 18 points and nearly 7 rebounds. On the Mavericks' side, Anthony Davis is set to anchor the team with 14.9 points and 9.9 rebounds, supported by Cooper Flagg's versatile playmaking, projected at 14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets
Next up, the Utah Jazz face the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, in what could be a high-scoring affair. Denver is favored with a predicted score of 118.5-114.6, and a win probability of 55% according to our simulation. Despite a hefty Vegas spread of -13.5 in favor of the Nuggets, the Jazz are no pushovers.
Nikola Jokic is expected to dazzle with a triple-double performance, averaging an astonishing 30.4 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 10.4 assists, while Jamal Murray adds to the firepower with 25 points. For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George are poised to lead the charge, projecting 26.2 and 23.3 points respectively, looking to upset the odds in Denver.
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder
Finally, the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, where the Thunder are predicted to emerge victorious with a scoreline of 121.3-115.9. The GameSim analysis gives OKC a 57% chance to win, supported by a -15.5 Vegas spread.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to lead the Thunder with a stellar 31.9 points, and 5.8 assists, showcasing why he's one of the league's top performers. The Grizzlies will counter with Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 22.5 points and 7.3 rebounds, alongside Santi Aldama's double-double potential, hoping to steal a win on the road.
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