OKC Thunder part of NBA Christmas Day: full five game primer

76ers (22-12) vs. Celtics (19-13), 5:30 PM on ABC: 

One of the oldest rivalries in the Association is renewed with superstars Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving taking center stage. Preseason the predominant thinking was these two teams would top the conference. Each has gone through hiccups and haven’t yet completely ironed out all the kinks.

Loaded with talent and arguably the best Eastern roster depth the Celtics struggled to find offensive cohesion. In spite of recent success, it may be fool’s gold. Of Boston’s last 19 games, only two have records over .500. That’s about to change with nine of their next 15 games against .500 (or better) squads.

As for the 76ers, early returns on the fit of Jimmy Butler are positive. Although floor spacing, depth and winning on the road remain Philly’s Achilles heel. Like most of the superstars, Joel Embiid will be ready for his closeup and arrives on fire having posted double-doubles in 14 of the last 16 games.

While many noted the big win versus the Raptors it’s also important to highlight none of Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas or Kawhi Leonard played in that match and Toronto was on a back to back. In the previous meeting with a healthier Raptors squad, he was held to 10 points (tying his lowest output of the season).