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The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets kickoff the NBA's slate of Christmas Day games with a noon matchup in Brooklyn. Brooklyn and Boston are currently holding on to the seventh and eighth spots, respectively, in the Eastern Conference standings.
This will be the third metting of the year between Boston and Brooklyn. The Nets won both previous meetings, 102-97 on Nov. 15 and 95-83 on Nov. 28.
The Celtics are coming off a 99-94 overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, but have been off since Friday. Paul Pierce had 34 points in the victory that brought Boston to .500 on the season. Pierce is the Celtics' leading scorer thus far, averaging 21 points per game. Rajon Rondo has averaged a double-double, picking up 13.5 points and 12.2 assists per game.
Brooklyn has ben led by the play of Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez and Deron Williams, all of whom are averaging more than 16 points per game. The Nets will have a shorter turnaround than the Celtics, coming off a Sunday afternoon game against Philadelphia.
Game time: Noon ET
Location: Barclays Center
National TV: ESPN
Local TV: CSNN (Celtics) and YES (Nets)