2 min read • December 25, 2021
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As the NBA continues to struggle with COVID-19 cases, having added 94 players to health and safety protocols in the last week, who still stands for each of the 10 teams that play on Christmas Day?
Let's take a look at each the 5 matchups and who goes in with the health advantage in each.
Knicks vs Hawks, 9:00 AM PST
While the Knicks have begun to get their key players back – RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Immanuel Quickley were each cleared earlier this week – the Hawks have been losing more players every day.
Atlanta will be without 9 protocol residents: Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, Clint Capela, Danilo Gallinari, Onyeka Okungwu, and 4 other depth players. The Hawks are also missing Deandre Hunter while he recovers from wrist surgery. Recently returned wings Cam Reddish and Bogdan Bogdanovic will lead the charge.
The Knicks will still be without Derrick Rose and Nerlens Noel, and both Barrett and Quickley are still waiting for the green light to get back in uniform while they up their conditioning.
Health Advantage: Knicks, if Barrett and/or Quickley play
Bucks vs Celtics, 11:30 AM PST
The Bucks got a major boost when 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokuonmpo was lifted from the protocols on Friday, although whether he plays or not will reportedly not be decided until tipoff. With Antetokuonmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday playing, Milwaukee is 13-2 this season. The Bucks will still be missing Donte Divincienzo and Bobby Portis, but their depth will help plug those holes.
The Celtics, meanwhile, currently have 12 players in protocols – headlined by Josh Richardson, Al Horford, and Enes Kanter Freedom – with 4 potentially returning Saturday. They will rely heavily on Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, with more replacement players likely on the way.
Health Advantage: Bucks
Warriors vs Suns, 2:00 PM PST
While both teams are mostly healthy, especially compared to many of the other teams current states, the Warriors enter the matchup missing many of their key secondary scorers and wing defenders. Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, and Damion Lee will all miss while in health and safety protocols, while Andre Iguodala is questionable with lingering knee soreness. Golden State is still without Klay Thompson and James Wiseman as they return from serious injuries.
The Suns, meanwhile, are 1 of the 5 teams without any positive COVID cases this season, giving Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges the pieces they need to take a 2nd win against their division rivals this season.
Health Advantage: Suns
Lakers vs Nets, 5:00 PM PST
What was scheduled as the league's marquee matchup of the night has been wrought as 3 of the 5 major stars will not play.
The Nets are still recovering from a major COVID outbreak, returning James Harden and Bruce Brown, but will miss 8 players, including Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and LaMarcus Aldridge, in addition to several fringe rotation pieces.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are without Anthony Davis for the near future with a left MCL sprain, and Malik Monk, Austin Reaves, and Avery Bradley in health and safety protocols. LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Dwight Howard will attempt to halt LA's 4-game losing streak.
Health Advantage: Lakers
Mavericks vs Jazz, 7:30 PM PST
The headline is that the Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic, who is in health and safety protocols. Along with Doncic is Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, and Reggie Bullock, leaving Dallas without 4 of their top 6 players in minutes per game.
On the other side, the Jazz are another of the 5 teams without a COVID case this season, and currently have every player who has played at least 10 minutes for the team available on Saturday.
Health Advantage: Jazz
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