The highly anticipated NBA Christmas Day slate for 2023 is set to bring thrilling matchups and showcase some impressive numbers. This marks the 76th edition of games on the holiday and the 16th consecutive year with five games played in one day. Let's take a closer look at the highlights and notable figures that make this lineup of games so exciting.

One of the most highly anticipated matchups features two of the NBA's winningest franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Christmas Day will mark the first time these two historic teams face off since 2008, adding an extra layer of excitement to the holiday festivities.

What makes this year's Christmas Day games even more special is the presence of five MVP winners. Fans can look forward to seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant in action. Additionally, the previous four NBA champions, including the Lakers (2020), Milwaukee Bucks (2021), Golden State Warriors (2022), and Denver Nuggets (2023), will all take the court, making it a star-studded lineup.

Now, let's dive into some intriguing numbers associated with NBA Christmas Day games. The New York Knicks have played the most games on the holiday, with 55 appearances and a record of 23-32. Their first Christmas Day victory came in 1947 against the Providence Steamrollers. Since 2010, the Knicks have secured three wins in eight appearances.

The Los Angeles Lakers, who have played in 50 Christmas Day games, boast the highest number of wins. They made their first appearance in 1949 and have played on the holiday for an impressive 25 consecutive seasons. However, the Lakers have only managed to win eight of their last 25 Christmas Day games.

Joel Embiid, the star player for the Philadelphia 76ers, holds the highest scoring average (31.3) among active players with two or more games played on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, Embiid will miss this year's game due to an ankle injury. Nonetheless, his performance this season has been outstanding, with 850 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in just 25 games. Embiid's scoring prowess puts him in the company of basketball legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.

The record for the most points scored on Christmas Day still belongs to Bernard King, who dropped an impressive 60 points in 1984. Chamberlain follows closely with 59 points in 1961, and Rick Barry recorded 50 points in 1966. The highest-scoring output in the 21st century belongs to Tracy McGrady, who scored 46 points in 2002. McGrady also holds the highest career scoring average on Christmas Day, with 43.3 points in three games.

LeBron James stands out with the most total points scored on Christmas Day, accumulating an all-time high of 460 points over his 17 appearances. He shares the record for most wins on Christmas Day (10) with Dwyane Wade. James also ranks second in assists (119), steals (26), and 3-point field goals made (28) during these holiday games, trailing legends Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden respectively.

Finally, the Miami Heat enter this year's game with the longest active winning streak on Christmas Day, having not lost since 2007. Head coach Erik Spoelstra boasts an impressive 8-0 record, making him the NBA head coach with the most wins without a loss on this special day.

As the NBA gears up for another memorable Christmas Day slate, these numbers and statistics serve as a reminder of the rich history and incredible performances that add to the excitement of the holiday games. NBA fans can anticipate an exhilarating day of basketball, filled with star power and record-breaking potential.

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