The NBA season is here, and basketball fans are eagerly anticipating some thrilling matchups.. From heated rivalries to exciting rookie showdowns, these 5 NBA games are not to be missed. Here are the details you need.
Mavericks at Suns – December 25
This Christmas, the Dallas Mavericks will face off against the Phoenix Suns, pitting two of the league’s brightest stars—Devin Booker and Luka Dončić—against each other. After heated exchanges on the court last March, Booker candidly stated that their relationship had some serious friction.
What makes this game even more exciting is that both Booker and Dončić possess explosive offensive talents, making each of their clashes a potential highlight reel!
Grizzlies at Celtics – February 4
On February 4, the Boston Celtics will host the Memphis Grizzlies, and this game promises to raise eyebrows for several reasons. The Celtics raised eyebrows across the league when they traded away their best defensive player—Marcus Smart—in a three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston.
Now, the spotlight will be on Smart’s return to Boston. Will his comeback ignite a case of seller’s remorse? Celtics fans will be watching closely, hoping the trade will prove to be a shrewd move! Expect fireworks for this one.
February 25, Trail Blazers vs Hornets
This match will be in the spotlight due to two young talents who have caused controversy in the 2023 NBA draft. Charlotte Hornets’ choice of Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson of Portland Trail Blazers was a bold move.
Fans and analysts alike were not happy about ‘The Hornet’s’ choice. The pre-season contest will tell whether the decision was a stroke of genius or a gamble.
Bucks at Knicks – December 25
Another Christmas Day fixture. The Knicks had their best season in over ten years last season. Therefore, this year’s festivities are taking place in the heart of New York as they look to build on it.
The Milwaukee Bucks have lost in the first round of the playoff and would like to come back stronger than before. The NBA is bound to feel the heat owing to the fact that the NFL will be playing a triple-header on Monday. What a day for sport!
Grizzlies at Hawks – December 23
December 23 brings a game with a potential comeback story. Ja Morant, the dynamic star of the Memphis Grizzlies, could make his return from suspension. His absence has had a significant impact on the team’s performance.
During his eight-game suspension last March, the Grizzlies managed a 6–2 record. Now, Morant’s return will be a focal point in this matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement. Can he bring victory? We’ll have to wait and see.
The UK Exhibition Match of Floyd Mayweather Failed to Draw Crowds
Floyd Mayweather and his entourage arrived at the O2 Arena for his UK debut. However, it appeared that the fans were not particularly interested. The 20,000-capacity stadium was only half full when Mayweather faced off against Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers on February 25th.
Floyd Mayweather Failed to Draw Crowds
The exhibition match seemed to be taken lightly by the former world champion, who spent most of the fight teasing his opponent, a reality TV personality. Floyd Mayweather won all eight rounds with ease. However, it appeared that the fans did not take the fight as seriously as Mayweather did, as very few of them showed up. The broadcast of the event focused solely on the ring, with no shots of the crowd.
Despite the presence of some fans, photos and videos from the event revealed hundreds of empty seats scattered throughout the arena. Some reports suggested that a ticket agency attempted to sell off remaining tickets for as little as $6 on the night of the fight. Initially, neither Aaron Chalmers nor Floyd Mayweather made any reference to the sparse attendance.
After the fight, Floyd Mayweather expressed his appreciation towards his UK fans and credited them for turning the country into a boxing Mecca. He stated he would like to thank all the unbelievable UK fans, adding he was glad that he came. He further stated that if the fans wanted him to come back, he would. However, after the fight, Mayweather acknowledged the low turnout, attributing it to the late release of tickets.
Mayweather Blamed the Failure to Tickets
Mayweather expressed his belief that the tickets should have been made available for purchase at a faster rate. He acknowledged that his new team was still learning and commended them, stating that the situation was not their fault. However, he noted that when they host fights in the US, tickets go on sale as soon as the fight is announced, and for this fight, the announcement was made, but the tickets did not go on sale until some weeks later.
Following his retirement, the undefeated champion Mayweather has been engaging in a series of exhibition fights, such as those against Logan Paul and Deji Olatunji, which were mainly held in the Middle East. In light of the recent low attendance, it is uncertain whether or not the American fighter will consider returning to the UK.