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Two teams searching for traction meet in Atlanta as Miami and Atlanta open their season series. Both clubs have struggled over the past two weeks, combining for only four wins in their last 20 games. This matchup presents a chance to reset after difficult stretches marked by late-game breakdowns and inconsistent execution. Miami enters after a 112-91 loss to Toronto, its lowest scoring output of the season. Injuries have thinned the rotation, forcing Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo into heavier offensive roles. Erik Spoelstra stressed the need for defensive commitment after the blowout, pointing to effort and cohesion as the path forward. Atlanta continues to score but cannot close. The Hawks blew a double-digit fourth-quarter lead Tuesday against Chicago, extending

LSU and No. 21 Houston land in the Texas Bowl from two completely different places. LSU is 7-5, mid-transition, and trying to patch together a bowl lineup after opt-outs and a coaching change. Houston is 9-3, settled in with Willie Fritz in year two, and gets the rare bowl setup where the “neutral site” is basically home. Kickoff is Saturday, December 27 at 9:15 PM ET from NRG Stadium in Houston, with ESPN carrying it. For LSU, it’s one more game to steady the program and get young pieces real reps before the offseason chaos. For Houston, it’s a chance to turn a solid season into a 10-win statement in their own city, and they’re treating it like a real

Christmas Day brings star power to Los Angeles as the Lakers host the Houston Rockets in a matchup featuring two teams searching for consistency. Both remain in the top half of the Western Conference, but neither enters in peak form. The Lakers have dropped three of their last five, while Houston has lost four of five during a difficult road stretch. Los Angeles is expected to get Luka Doncic back after he missed Tuesday’s loss in Phoenix. His return matters after the Lakers surrendered nearly 59 percent shooting and struggled with physicality in the paint. LeBron James remains the focal point on the holiday, already holding the NBA record for Christmas games played and points scored. Houston arrives frustrated but

Christmas Day brings Cooper Flagg back into the spotlight as Dallas visits Golden State for a marquee holiday matchup. Flagg continues to validate his No. 1 overall status and enters averaging 19.2 points per game, with his production spiking since Dallas turned its season around. The Mavericks are 7-4 in their last 11 after a brutal start, and Flagg is averaging over 25 points during that stretch. Golden State remains a Christmas fixture and welcomes Dallas on a two-game winning streak. The Warriors are still searching for consistency, but the return of Al Horford adds stability to a frontcourt that has struggled defensively. Steve Kerr’s group has leaned more on half-court execution and ball movement as it tries to limit