The NBA held a few showcase games on Christmas day:
*There was a prime-time matchup in Los Angeles, featuring the top team in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers, hosting their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers, #3 in the Conference, won the game 111-106. Former Wichita State guard Landry Shamet came off the bench for the Clippers with seven points. The Clippers have won seven of their last 10 games. The game was heard live on Sports Radio KFH 1240AM 97.5FM.
*In the first home game on Christmas in Philadelphia in 31 years, the host 76ers beat the top team in the league, knocking off the Milwaukee Bucks 121-109. Starting at center for Philadelphia was former Kansas Jayhawk Joel Embiid, with 31 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers tied a franchise record with 21 3-pointers, including three by Embiid. It was the third win a row for the 76ers.
*Former Wichita State point guard Fred VanVleet had 27 points for Toronto, but the Raptors lost at home to the Boston Celtics 118-102.