Celtics host rivalry duel on Christmas

Christmas is the most important date in the NBA regular season calendar. Last year, the Celtics faced the Lakers in a duel that represented one of the most legendary rivalries in sports. Boston won that game in Hollywood by 126-115.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the reigning NBA champions will take on the role of host next Christmas, with the Celtics reportedly welcoming the 76ers to TD Garden.

After signing Paul George, Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson, extending Kelly Oubre and Kyle Lowry, and signing former Duke Blue Devil Jared McCain in the first round of this year's NBA Draft, Philadelphia's strengthened roster makes the Sixers one of Boston's biggest threats in the Eastern Conference.

According to Charania, the rest of the Christmas program this year looks like this:

Spurs at the Knicks

Timberwolves at Mavericks

Lakers at Warriors

Nuggets at Suns

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