Knicks, Cavaliers tip off NBA's five-game Christmas slate

(Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

There are few sturdier NBA traditions than the New York Knicks playing on Christmas Day.

The Knicks hope a pair of familiar faces make it back for the customary clash Thursday when New York hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers to tip off the NBA's five-game holiday slate.

Both teams played Tuesday night, when the short-handed Knicks fell to the host Minnesota Timberwo