Boston at Cleveland

There's nothing else that is really going to come close to this.

Boston's Christmas Day pairing with the Lakers comes compares in a way, but we know what the Lakers are all about. We know the team's offense, we're familiar with the squad's underrated defense, and we know the team's motivation. The outcome of that game was in question, no doubt about that, but you had a good idea entering into that matchup just how things were going to shake out.

With the Cavs ... I've no idea. Cleveland has completely revamped its offense, while sustaining that defensive edge; and the Cavaliers are on their way toward putting together a record-setting season in terms of point differential, which any NBA brainiac from Hubie Brown on down will tell you is the best way of determining who's better, and who's best.

This team is first in offensive efficiency, and first in defensive efficiency. The Bulls did that, once. One time. And that's it. You might not think the Cavs the best team in the league, but anyone who tells you that any team has played better than Cleveland this season just doesn't know what they're on about.

But Cleveland has also had an easier schedule than most, and the team is still working in an offense that hasn't been tested much. When things get tough, will they revert to their old ways? Will they toss the ball to LeBron some 35 feet away from the basket, and ask him to go 1-on-5? Everyone has a strategy until they get hit, and Boston likes to hit, so what happens when the strategy takes a hit?

Cleveland could romp, they could roll over, or we could get a classic. I've no idea. Yes, it's a Friday night, but let's pay attention.

Cleveland Cavaliers: 28-6, 89.7 possessions per game (23^rd), 113.1 points scored per 100 possessions (1^st), 99.4 points allowed per 100 possessions (1^st).

Boston Celtics: 29-8, 91.1 possessions per game (17^th), 109.5 points scored per 100 possessions (7^th), 99.5 points allowed per 100 possessions (2^nd).

Related: Game to pay attention to