The NBA's Christmas Day slate continues with a shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers facing off against the Miami Heat, both missing key players. Joel Embiid, the league's leading scorer, will sit out for the Sixers, while Jimmy Butler and several other Heat contributors, including Nicolas Batum, Josh Richardson, and Haywood Highsmith, are also unavailable.

While the matchup might not be at full strength, the stakes remain high. The Sixers, currently third in the Eastern Conference, are looking to cement their playoff positioning, while the Heat, despite the absences, will be eager to defend their home court and prove their depth.

Earlier Christmas Day action saw the New York Knicks upset the Milwaukee Bucks, the Denver Nuggets outlast the Golden State Warriors, and the Boston Celtics dominate the Los Angeles Lakers. With another exciting clash on the horizon, the NBA's Christmas Day festivities continue to deliver intriguing storylines and on-court fireworks.