NBA Holiday Schedule and Fantasy Basketball Insights
As the holiday season rolls in, NBA fans are bracing for a week that will see no games on some days, combined with exciting matchups on Christmas Day. One of the highlights includes a clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the Houston Rockets facing the Los Angeles Clippers at 11 p.m. ET — both games will be streamed on Peacock. For local NBC broadcasts, be sure to check your area’s listings.
Fantasy Basketball: Rising and Falling Players
In the realm of fantasy basketball, let’s delve into the rising and falling players as the 2025-26 season continues its unpredictable narrative.
Stock Rising
- Brook Lopez (C, Clippers): After the Clippers managed to snap a five-game losing streak against the Lakers, they did face a setback with the injury of Ivica Zubac, which sidelines him for several weeks. This opens a significant door for Lopez to step up as a credible fantasy option. Although his early season performance with the Clippers has been less than impressive, Lopez capitalized on increased court time against the Lakers, contributing 11 points, along with three three-pointers and two blocked shots. If he secures a starting position, expectations around his performance should be optimistic, particularly if he maintains shooting volume from beyond the arc.
- Russell Westbrook (PG/SG, Kings): Now in his 18th season, Westbrook continues to be a triple-double threat, remaining a vital asset despite fluctuating big numbers. Currently, he’s showcasing his best scoring and assist averages since the 2022-23 season while also achieving a significant three-point shooting percentage — the finest of his career. His role within the Sacramento lineup is helping him thrive again, and as he acclimates further, his fantasy stock is likely to climb.
- Kyshawn George (SG/SF/PF, Wizards): George remains impressive in his second NBA season, even when his scoring isn’t consistent, largely due to some struggles from long-range. His versatility shines as he contributes in various facets, showcasing his passing, rebounding, and defensive skills. In the last three games, he’s averaged 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, proving he can be impactful in a multitude of areas on any given night.
Stock Falling
- Malik Monk (SG, Kings): The Kings have been navigating a rough patch, and Monk is feeling the impact, recently seeing minimal playing time. In a recent game against the Rockets, Monk only logged five minutes after two previous games where he didn’t see any action. Despite having shown promise earlier, including a game with 25 points and five three-pointers, his future in the rotation is uncertain, placing him firmly in the “Stock Down” category.
- Mark Williams (C, Suns): After an encouraging run of double-digit scoring games, Williams’ recent performance has raised eyebrows. Double figures seem elusive lately as he spends less time on the court, which affects his scoring ability significantly. With averages dropping, including just 5.1 rebounds in December compared to 9.1 in November, there’s hope that a competitive matchup against the Lakers could reignite his offensive game.
- Andrew Wiggins (SG/SF/PF, Heat): The Miami Heat have struggled in recent games, and a key player like Wiggins has been quiet offensively. With low scoring output that has seen him hit just over 13 points only twice this month, his recent form, where he averaged 9.0 points on a poor shooting percentage, stands out as a concern. Although his defense has provided some stability, fantasy managers are hoping for more from the veteran forward.
