In previous years, Christmas Day has provided some of the best NBA matchups of the season with plenty of exciting finishes. The league usually showcases elite matchups in just a few games on national television.

The slate is bigger in 2020, with five big games.

Seven of the 10 teams on Christmas made the playoffs last season. All 10 have a strong shot to reach the playoffs in 2021.

This year's lineup features some of the game's best players. Stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry take center stage on the holiday schedule.

All five games should be interesting but some stand out over others. Here's each matchup ranked in order of importance.

1. Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets

Time: 5 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ABC

The Celtics and the Nets are among the favorites to win the East. The Nets have superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving back from injury, but the Celtics have depth and are among the best-coached teams in the league. The Nets easily defeated the Warriors in the season opener and may be poised for a 60-win season. Boston can't be taken lightly after failing to reach the finals last season.

2. Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ABC

LeBron James and the Lakers are the favorites to win the NBA title, but they face a real test against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. Doncic finished sixth in scoring in 2019-20 and is expected to garner MVP consideration. The Lakers may have a stronger roster than last season and James is the main attraction, while center Anthony Davis is more than just a sidekick. The pair have dominated: Davis ranked third in blocks last season and James led the league in assists.

3. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ESPN

The Nuggets and Clippers square off in a rematch of the Western Conference semifinals. Superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, along with newly acquired Serge Ibaka, lead a team that hopes to end their playoff woes. The Nuggets have one of the NBA's most talented teams, led by center Nikola Jokic and shooting guard Jamal Murray. Murray's late-game heroics in the playoffs last season helped the Nuggets reach the conference finals.

4. Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ABC

Golden State is looking for a bounce-back season. Sharpshooter Steph Curry is back after he was sidelined due to injury. Curry is joined by power forward Draymond Green and rookie James Wiseman on a roster that is expected to reach the playoffs. The Bucks are led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP who is eager to lead Milwaukee to the finals after decades of coming up short.

5. New Orleans Pelicans vs. Miami Heat

Time: 12 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ESPN

This is an under-rated matchup. The Heat are coming off a brutal finals loss against the Lakers and have a solid roster. Miami is led by five-time all-star Jimmy Butler and center Bam Adebayo.

The Pelicans are led by burgeoning star Zion Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft. New Orleans failed to reach the playoffs in Williamson's first season so the Pelicans are expected to be hungry to get off to a good start.

Bobby Ilich contributed to this report.

LeBron James' partnership with Anthony Davis propelled the Lakers back into the NBA Finals
LeBron James' partnership with Anthony Davis propelled the Lakers back into the NBA Finals GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Kevin C. Cox
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