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Christmas day preview

Steve Kerr

NBA fans will receive a nice holiday gift on Christmas day when ABC offers up a juicy doubleheader featuring two intriguing matchups.

Game 1 pits the Los Angeles Lakers against the Miami Heat, with a couple of delicious subplots: Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal facing each other for the third time since their ugly parting two seasons ago, and longtime rivals Pat Riley and Phil Jackson squaring off from the sidelines.

Game 2 will feature the NBA's two best teams, as the San Antonio Spurs travel to The Palace of Auburn Hills for a rematch of last season's NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have been unstoppable, playing their usual stingy defense and enjoying a more uptempo offensive style. The Spurs will have to find a way to slow down Detroit's backcourt and score enough points to win.

Here's a closer look at the Christmas day games:

LOS ANGELES LAKERS AT MIAMI HEAT

Each team is playing its best basketball of the season. The Lakers seemed to find themselves on their recent six-game road swing, winning five games and displaying a growing confidence and maturity. L.A. is still riding on Kobe's back, relying on a 62-point outburst to beat Dallas last week. However, the Lakers' defense has improved and the players' understanding of the triangle offense is deepening.

The Heat, meanwhile, have been on a tear since the return of Shaq. They've won five of six games since he came back, and Riley's presence on the bench has given the team a bit of a swagger. For the season, Miami is averaging 98.1 points per game, but 106 per game with Riley on the sidelines calling for an aggressive, attacking style.

Guards
Dwyane Wade and Gary Payton vs. Smush Parker and Kobe Bryant
Parker has been one of the surprises of the NBA season. Kobe and Wade are the best shooting guards in the NBA. Each is incredibly athletic, creative and competitive. Advantage: Even.

Forwards
Udonis Haslem and James Posey vs. Lamar Odom and Brian Cook
Odom has been inconsistent but is capable of a big night. Haslem is a worker who thrives in his role next to Shaq. Posey is the Heat's stopper on the perimeter. Advantage: Even.

Center
Shaquille O'Neal vs. Chris Mihm
Shaq isn't in top form, but his dominance is unquestioned. He makes every player on his team better with his mere presence. Advantage: Lakers.

Bench
Antoine Walker leads a veteran reserve unit that can score. Luke Walton has helped L.A. immensely in recent weeks with his deft passing. Kwame Brown will need to be an inside presence to help combat Shaq. Advantage: Heat.

Coaching
Two legends, each very comfortable in his own skin. Riley admitted that he is rusty after a two-year layoff, but with so much experience, it won't take long for him to get his feel back. Advantage: Even.

Prediction: Heat. Shaq is too much for L.A. to deal with, and Wade will make Kobe work at both ends of the floor. The Lakers will need a couple of players to break through with big scoring nights if they're going to have a chance.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS AT DETROIT PISTONS

The Spurs won the championship a season ago, and their gift from the NBA is a trip to Detroit for Christmas. Thanks a lot, schedule makers.

San Antonio will have to overcome more than just being away for the holidays, of course. Manu Ginobili has missed a couple of weeks with a sprained foot, and the Spurs miss his energy. Losses to Atlanta and Milwaukee make you wonder if the Spurs aren't going through the motions a bit.

Detroit, on the other hand, started off fast and haven't slowed down. They won nine of their first 10 games and are playing with an offensive swagger that they've never had before.

Guards
Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton vs. Tony Parker and Michael Finley
The Piston guards have been dominant and are at their best with the game on the line. The Spurs' Parker is having his finest season ever, and Finley has filled in nicely for Ginobili. Advantage: Pistons.

Forwards
Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen vs. Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince
Duncan has been slowed by inflammation in his plantar fascia, but is still having another stellar year. Bowen is the best perimeter defender in the game. Wallace and Prince are long, active and athletic, and each is capable of a huge scoring night. Advantage: Even.

Center
Ben Wallace vs. Rasho Nesterovic
Big Ben is doing what he does: blocking shots, rebounding and anchoring the Pistons' defense. Nesterovic has been solid for the Spurs. Advantage: Pistons.

Bench
If Ginobili is healthy, the advantage would go to the Spurs. But Antonio McDyess gives Detroit another long-armed, active player to throw at Duncan. San Antonio will need Nick Van Exel, Brent Barry and Robert Horry to make shots. Advantage: Even.

Coaching
Flip Saunders has given the Pistons offensive freedom, but the team has maintained its strong defensive play. Gregg Popovich is being patient with his team, knowing that June is a long way off. Advantage: Even.

Prediction: Pistons. The Pistons are playing better than the Spurs right now, and they're at home for Christmas. Their speed and activity at every position will be too much.