Christmas day in the NBA is always full of marquee games that highlight the game’s best. Like Thanksgiving day NFL action, the NBA has long laid claim to Christmas as their showcase day. If your Christmas family traditions include the NBA then you have been treated to some excellent basketball over the year.

I remember back in the day watching Magic Johnson and Larry Bird do battle, then Michael Jordan hit the scene and took the Christmas Magic to a new level. Jordan the Chicago Bulls became as much a part of Christmas morning as stockings and French toast. This year is no different for the NBA has lined up an action packed day full of exciting games and ones that showcase some of the greatest players the league has to offer.

There are five games on the schedule this year and we are breaking down the compelling player matchups in each to give you the best fantasy take on the entire day.

Rajon Rondo – Boston Celtics v. Deron Williams – Brooklyn Nets

Probably the most compelling point guard matchup of the day as Rondo and Williams will go head to head in this contest. Rondo has been fairly consistent this season, his production in wins and losses are practically the same while home versus road games offers little difference either. For Rondo to be the better fantasy option here he must be aggressive on the offensive end. The Nets lack a true big man presence inside and Rondo needs to exploit this and get to the rim.

For Deron Williams to be the better fantasy option he needs to get the assist totals back up. Scoring hasn’t been the problem of late; what is concerning is the 6.0 apg average over the last five games. To start the season I pegged each of these guys as potential MVP candidates; Rondo needed to score upwards of 18 ppg and Williams needed at least 12 apg to make this a possibility. While neither player has elevated their game to that level just yet; it is Rondo that has been the more consistent fantasy contributor thus far this season. For that reason I’d pick up Rajon Rondo over Deron Williams in this matchup.

BUY: Rajon Rondo

Carmelo Anthony – NY Knicks v. Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers

The toast of the Big Apple, Carmelo Anthony brings his lofty 28 ppg average in the Staples Center to go up against Kobe Bryant in what could turn out to be a very high scoring affair. For Carmelo to have the better game here he is going to need to be aggressive and take quality shots. The Lakers defense has been bad this season and the perimeter defense has been horrific so there will be open jumpers; Anthony just needs to find a rhythm and start knocking them down. Carmelo should have a typical night of 30 points with minimal assists and a handful of rebounds.

Is there any player in the league who enjoys the National spotlight more than Kobe Bryant? And is there any player in the League who gets more jacked up for these kind of games than Kobe Bryant? Kobe and the Lakers will be rested for this game and will have benefited from an extra practise day to run some offensive sets with Steve Nash at the helm. I’m expecting a huge fantasy day for Kobe here; with the Knicks in town, the Staples Center will be jammed and Bryant will put on a show. Check out the last five games stat line for Kobe; 31.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 6.2 apg and their calling for Carmelo to be MVP?

BUY: Kobe Bryant

Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder v. LeBron James – Miami Heat

A rematch of last year’s NBA finals goes down in South Beach as the Thunder roll into Miami to play the Heat. In a much anticipated game that pits two of the Leagues stars this game promises to offer some spectacular highlights. Durant heads into the game with a hugely impressive fantasy line 27.9 ppg, 4.2 apg and 8.4 rpg. Only problem might be the four full days off prior to this game for the Thunder. Historically Durant has not played well after having such a layoff; his averages decline to 25.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 2.7 apg.

Lebron James is having another very typical LeBron like year, he hardly gets mentioned for MVP yet his numbers are almost bang on his career averages. If you are making a fantasy decision based on scoring alone, Durant is more likely to outscore LeBron; however, scoring isn’t everything. Take Lebron’s assists and rebounding stats and he will outperform Durant on most nights. A big home game like this on national television against his friend and rival in Kevin Durant should compel a big fantasy night.

BUY: Lebron James

James Harden – Houston Rockets v. Luol Deng – Chicago Bulls

Quick! What team leads the league in points scored per game? Oklahoma, Miami, LA Clippers...nope it’s the Houston Rockets. In large part it is James Harden to thank as he is averaging 25.6 ppg this season and an even more impressive 28.3 ppg in his last ten games. This upstart free flowing offense allows for easy transition baskets and the biggest recipient of these easy points is Harden. How this will fair against the third ranked defense in the league remains to be seen.

Luol Deng is doing an amicable job of filling Derrick Rose’s role on the Bulls. He has raised his scoring and rebounding averages and more importantly has been more consistent in his approach. Deng’s last game against Houston was a fantastic fantasy night. He scored 19 points and had 10 rebounds in 42 minutes of action. Deng is not the absolute focal point of the Bulls offense, whereas James Harden is clearly the number one option at all times. I think due to the fact that Houston will be looking to get Harden rolling early that the better fantasy line of the night will belong to Harden.

BUY: James Harden

Kenneth Faried – Denver Nuggets v. Blake Griffin – Los Angeles Clippers

This is going to be one tough matchup for ‘Manimal’ known as Kenneth Faried. He has the physical tools to stay with Griffin and bang with him on the boards but he just can’t compare when it comes to scoring around the basket. Faried has had a nice start to the season averaging 12.1 ppg and 9.9 rpg but these numbers have tailed off a bit of late. Fantasy owners who were able to buy low on Faried are still counting their blessings as he is showing some real fantasy value.

Blake Griffin is not having a typical year or one that is expected out of him. His scoring is down and as is his rebounding numbers. I don’t think it has anything to do with a pre-existing injury it is more of a psychological barrier as Griffin has changed his style slightly to put his body at less risk. Still an explosive player with amazing hops who can absolutely posterize any guy at any time. Coaches must preach to their players not to lose Griffin along the baseline or to turn their head because they too could be immortalized on some kid’s bedroom wall. Season averages of 18.2 ppg and 8.8 rpg are nothing to scoff at, we just expect more. The Denver Nuggets do not match up well against Griffin and he should have himself a tremendous, fantasy stat stuffing outing.

BUY: Blake Griffin