Photo Credit: Gus Ruelas /AP

Coming up to the festive season and the all important Christmas Day games, here’s a look at what to look out for.

Return of Nash

After being excluded from the Story lines to Watch series last week the Lakers are #1 this week with the probable return of the Steve Nash for the Christmas Day showdown with the New York Knicks.

According to this report, Nash is looking to be ready for the weekends game against the Golden State Warriors, a full week ahead of schedule.

This can only be good news for the Lakers as they escaped with a 1 point victory over the Bobcats yesterday on the back of some clutch play by returning big man Pau Gasol.

If Nash does return this weekend it will be his first game reunited with his old coach, Mike D’Antoni and that can only be good news to Lakers fans.

Streaking in the West

Name me the two teams in the West that are riding double digit winning streaks….

If you answered the Thunder (11) and Clippers (10) then find a gold star and wear it proudly all day long.

In comparison the longest winning streak in the Eastern Conference is three wins shared surprisingly by Orlando and Toronto.

The Thunder will face Atlanta and Minnesota this week before ending with the real test on Christmas Day, a Finals rematch against the Miami Heat.

The Clippers on the other hand have a much better chance of extending their streak with the next three games against New Orleans, Sacramento and Phoenix before facing Denver at home on Christmas Day.

Who will finish this week with their streak still in tact?

Boston Blues

What is going on in Beantown? I know we say this every season around this time when the Celtics are languishing at around .500 but this team was meant to be younger and fitter.

Despite only losing Ray Allen (not the best defensive player around) this Celtics team is currently sitting 16th in opposition point allowed (97.9) and 19th in opposition FG% (45%).

For a team that prides itself on the work it does on defense, these numbers are shocking and won’t win you basketball games.

Kevin Garnett has said in the media that the Celtics are tired and need a rest. With 58 games still to play can they afford to be this tired so far behind the 8 ball?

How do Boston fix their rut (currently they have a 12-12 record) or more importantly can they fix their rut?

Tell us which Christmas Day Game you are most looking forward too and why in the comments section below.