Even with the long list of absences due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, there are still plenty of games to look forward to this week.
Of course, there is the loaded NBA Christmas Day schedule, but there are also a handful of other matchups on tap that you won't want to miss.
The fun begins on Monday when the Philadelphia 76ers travel to Boston to face the Celtics and comes to an end on Sunday when the surging Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors.
Between those games, there are a number of must-see matchups like LaMelo Ball taking on Nikola Jokic and Cade Cunningham's debut at Madison Square Garden.
Here's one game each day this week to mark on your calendar.
(Note: There are no games on Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24).
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Monday, Dec. 20
Celtics vs. 76ers (7:30 p.m. ET, SN Now): As one of the best rivalries in the NBA, Celtics-76ers never disappoints. Joel Embiid always takes this matchup personally, so you won't want to miss a potentially massive performance from the All-Star center.
Also watch: Hornets at Jazz (9:30 p.m. ET, TSN App) – With LaMelo Ball back from health and safety protocols, it will be a blast to watch him and Donovan Mitchell go head-to-head.
Tuesday, Dec. 21
Lakers vs. Suns (10:00 p.m. ET, SN One): Even though Anthony Davis is out with a knee injury, this matchup still has plenty of star power. With Devin Booker back in action, we'll see him, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton take on LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.
Also watch: Pistons at Knicks (7:30 p.m. ET, League Pass) – No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham makes his Madison Square Garden debut.
Wednesday, Dec. 22
Bulls vs. Raptors (8:00 p.m. ET, SN One): MVP-candidate DeMar DeRozan gets his second matchup against his former franchise as a member of the Bulls.
Also watch: Cavaliers at Celtics (7:30 p.m. ET, TSN App) – The Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season and in an earlier matchup this year, they pulled off a 19-point comeback to beat the Celtics.
Thursday, Dec. 23
Nuggets vs. Hornets (9:00 p.m. ET, TSN App): Even though it's not a positional battle, two of the best passers go head-to-head in LaMelo Ball vs. Nikola Jokic.
Also watch: Hawks at 76ers (7:00 p.m., NBA TV Canada) – A rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals, Joel Embiid will want revenge against the Hawks, even if Trae Young (health and safety protocols) can't suit up.
Saturday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day schedule
Hawks at Knicks (12:00 p.m. ET, TSN Network)
Celtics at Bucks (2:30 p.m. ET, SN One)
Warriors at Suns (5:00 p.m. ET, TSN 4/5)
Nets at Lakers (8:00 p.m. ET, TSN 4/5)
Mavericks at Jazz (10:30 p.m. ET, TSN 1/3/4/5)
The Christmas Day schedule may lose some juice if players like Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and James Harden can't suit up because of health and safety protocols, as well as players like Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic due to injury, but there are still plenty of stars who are playing. You'll still get to see Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert!
Sunday, Dec. 26
Cavaliers vs. Raptors (6:00 p.m. ET, SN One): This would typically be a potential Rookie of the Year battle but it is unknown if Evan Mobley will be out of health and safety protocols by then. However, their last meeting still went down to the wire with Darius Garland coming up clutch to help the Cavaliers beat the Raptors.
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