Report: Clippers-Lakers, Raptors-Celtics headline Christmas Day games
The battle of L.A. will headline the NBA's 2019 Christmas Day schedule, with the Lakers and Clippers set to face off on neutral ground at Staples Center, sources told ESPN's ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
In addition to the marquee matchup, the Toronto Raptors will host the Boston Celtics and the New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Nuggets in Denver, Wojnarowski reports.
The Houston Rockets are expected to be in San Francisco to battle the rival Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN's Tim MacMahon. Finally, the fifth game will see the Milwaukee Bucks travel to clash with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews.
Los Angeles will be a battleground for two title favorites after the Lakers acquired superstar big man Anthony Davis, who will team up with four-time MVP LeBron James. Meanwhile, the Clippers made a significant splash this summer by trading for Paul George and signing reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
The Raptors will host their first Christmas Day game, and it comes after the organization's lone NBA championship.
Houston will aim to exact revenge on the Warriors after falling to Golden State in four of the past five postseasons, including a six-game loss in 2019.