Giannis Antetokounmpo
Photo: Bleacher Report

NBA Christmas Day will see some of the top international players of the league face each other in exciting battles.

Once again, international players will have a key role in their respective teams’ tactics.

Here are some interesting stats ahead of Christmas Day matches, which will start with the clash between the defending champions, Toronto Raptors, and the Boston Celtics.

  • Thirty international players from 17 countries are on the rosters of teams playing on Christmas Day, led by the Philadelphia 76ers with six international players. 
  • 10 players with direct ties to Africa are on the rosters on team playing on Christmas Day
  • Canada is the most-represented country outside the U.S. with four, of the record 16 Canadians on opening-night rosters, playing on Christmas Day, followed by Turkey with three players competing on Christmas Day.

Apart from the matchup between the Raptors and the Celtics, the Lakers will face the Clippers in the battle of LA, the Milwaukee Bucks will play the Philadelphia 76ers, the Houston Rockets will square off against the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets will clash with the New Orleans Pelicans.

  • 12:00 PM – Boston Celtics @ Toronto Raptors
  • 2.30 PM – Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers
  • 5:00 PM – Houston Rockets @ Golden State Warriors some
  • 8:00 PM  – LA Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers
  • 10.30 PM – New Orleans Pelicans @ Denver Nuggets

All times ET