December 27, 2025, brings a trio of NBA matchups that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats with nail-biting finishes and star-studded performances. As we dive into these games, the narratives are rich and the stakes high. Sit back and enjoy while we break down the marquee matchups for the night.

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Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings

This clash in Sacramento has all the makings of a classic showdown. Our simulation predicts a razor-thin victory for the Mavericks, edging out the Kings with a score of 114.4 to 112.9. With a 52% probability of victory, Dallas is barely favored, promising a thrilling contest.

For the Kings, DeMar DeRozan continues to be a focal point with projected stats of 23.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is expected to dominate the paint for the Mavericks, contributing 19.6 points and 10.8 rebounds. The battle of the boards could well determine the outcome, with Russell Westbrook’s double-double threat of 17.4 points and 11.7 rebounds adding to Sacramento's arsenal.

Denver Nuggets at Orlando Magic

In a surprising twist, our model sees the Orlando Magic taking a narrow victory over the Denver Nuggets, with a predicted score of 118.3 to 116.9. With a 52% chance of winning, the Magic are poised to upset the reigning champions.

Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' perennial MVP candidate, is expected to put on a show with a stat line of 32.9 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 11.9 assists, a triple-double machine at his best. However, Orlando's young stars, including Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, are set to challenge Denver's dominance. Wagner’s 22 points and 7.4 rebounds will be crucial in matching Jokic's firepower.

New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks

Rounding out the night is a high-scoring affair between the Knicks and the Hawks. Our prediction gives the Knicks a slight edge with a predicted score of 121.5 to 119.9, reflecting a 52% win probability.

The Knicks’ Jalen Brunson is projected to lead the way with 28.8 points and 6.6 assists, supported by Karl-Anthony Towns’ dominance on the boards, pulling down 13.9 rebounds alongside 22.3 points. The Hawks, not to be outdone, will rely on Jalen Johnson’s all-around game, with expected outputs of 20.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists to keep the contest competitive.

As these teams take the court, the margins are slim, and the performances are bound to be memorable. For those eager to dive deeper, detailed projected player stats for all games are available exclusively to GameSim+ subscribers. Visit our GameSim+ page to learn more and subscribe.