The NBA’s annual Christmas Day showcase games are typically a stage for the league’s biggest stars to shine bright. However, this year’s holiday slate is clouded by a rash of injuries to several marquee names, leaving their status up in the air.
Devin Booker Ruled Out, Other Stars Questionable
In the most definitive news so far, the Phoenix Suns have already ruled out their superstar guard Devin Booker for Wednesday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Booker, who is averaging over 27 points per game this season, suffered a groin injury last week and will now miss his third straight contest.
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing questions about the availability of both LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The two stars are listed as questionable, with James dealing with general injury management and Davis nursing a shoulder issue. Their potential absence would be a huge blow for the league’s most high-profile Christmas game.
Nuggets, Celtics Also Monitoring Key Players
For the Nuggets, point guard Jamal Murray is questionable with an ankle injury that sidelined him from their last outing, coincidentally also against the Suns. Murray’s potential absence could loom large in the rematch on Christmas.
The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, are hoping to have All-NBA talent Jayson Tatum back in the lineup after an illness kept him out of their previous game. The Celtics are set to take on the Indiana Pacers in one of the day’s first matchups.
“This is the most wonderful time of the year for NBA fans, so we’re all hoping these guys can suit up and play. But player health has to come first, and teams won’t take any chances.”
— ESPN Injury Analyst Jeff Stotts
Doncic Iffy for Mavericks After Brief Absence
Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic is another superstar whose Christmas Day status isn’t 100 percent certain. The Slovenian sensation missed a couple games last week with a heel ailment before returning on Monday. He is currently listed as questionable to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As the hours tick down to tip-off, NBA fans are refreshing injury reports with bated breath, hoping to see as many of the league’s marquee names as possible take the court on the biggest regular season stage. Some key factors to watch:
- How cautious will teams and players be on the first day of a holiday back-to-back?
- Will any stars try to play through injuries for the spotlight?
- Which teams can best handle the absence of their top talent?
The NBA builds its Christmas schedule around its top stars and most exciting teams, so no matchup is ever boring. However, the intrigue and entertainment value certainly takes a hit any time names like Booker, James, Tatum or Doncic are missing from the marquee. Their presence makes these games feel extra special.
Amid a long 82-game season, though, the smart long-term approach is always to prioritize player health above all else. As much as the league, broadcast partners, and fans want to see the superstars, team medical staffs must make decisions with only the players’ well-being in mind.
So while it would be deflating to have an injury-riddled Christmas Day slate, it’s better than jeopardizing any star player’s overall health for the sake of one game, no matter how high-profile. The show will go on either way, the basketball will still be entertaining, and hopefully the stars that do miss out will be back healthier than ever soon.
Check back for updates on the status of each player as we get closer to the first Christmas Day tip-off.
