NBA: Look out for these ex-Arizona Wildcats on Christmas Day

NBA games on Christmas feature former UA players

'Tis the season! Christmas is officially here and depending on what time family and friends get together, there could be an NBA game that features an Arizona Wildcat on the television screen at the same time. 

Usually Christmas Day NBA games are a teaser for what's to come in playoffs and that could be the case with every matchup on display. Four out of the five games on Tuesday have a UA connection in some form. The only one that doesn't is the finale between the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. 

Whether you're unwrapping presents, cooking, or singing holiday carols, make sure to tune into the NBA Christmas Day schedule to watch these former Wildcats. 

Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City

Time: 10 a.m. MT

Watch: ESPN

UA connection: Knicks guard Allonzo Trier

How he's done: Earlier this month, Trier signed a two-year deal worth $7 million with New York after originally going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft and signed a two-way contract. Since officially becoming a member of the Knicks, the rookie has averaged 11.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game coming off the bench. Trier has missed the last seven games with a hamstring injury, but is probable to play against the Bucks. 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets

Location: Toyota Center, Houston

Time: 1 p.m. MT 

Watch: ABC, ESPN App

UA connection: Rockets assistant coach Matt Brase

How he's done: After leading the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to three consecutive appearances in the G League playoffs as a head coach, Brase accepted a position on Mike D'Antoni's staff with the Houston Rockets. Former Wildcat Joseph Blair succeeded Brase as the Vipers' head coach. 

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics

Location: TD Garden, Boston

Time: 3:30 p.m. MT 

Watch: ABC, ESPN App

UA connection: Sixers point guard T.J. McConnell

How he's done: McConnell is in his fourth year under contract with Philadelphia and his role hasn't changed. He's still one of the first guards off the bench for the Sixers and the Pittsburgh native has averaged 6 points and 3.2 assists per game this season. Recently, McConnell wrote a story for Player's Tribune about the start of Philadelphia's "process" and the journey it took for the Sixers to reach the conversation as one of the best in the Eastern Conference. On Christmas, he'll be tasked with guarding either Kyrie Irving or Terry Rozier. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors

Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland

Time: 6 p.m. MT 

Watch: ABC, ESPN App

UA connection: Luke Walton, Miles Simon, Andre Iguodala, Steve Kerr and Bruce Fraser

How they've done: In year three with the Lakers, Walton and Simon are on pace to have their best season under the new era and that's mainly due to the addition of superstar LeBron James. Currently, the Lakers sit at fifth in the Western Conference standings and will receive a true test on the road for Christmas. The two-time defending champions in Golden State are a half-game back of the Denver Nuggets for first place in the west. Iguodala, the experienced veteran off the bench, has averaged 4.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season.