The NBA’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration is more than just a slate of games - it’s a tradition that stretches back 40 years, honoring the legacy of Dr.
King through basketball on one of the league’s most meaningful days. From Dominique Wilkins lighting up Milwaukee for 33 points in Atlanta back in that inaugural year, to Jalen Brunson’s 34-point performance last season, these games have become a showcase for star power, storylines, and significance.
This year, the league is rolling out a four-game slate on NBC and Peacock, and there’s no shortage of intrigue. From MVP candidates to rising stars, and from defensive showdowns to legacy-building moments, here are four storylines to keep an eye on this MLK Day.
1. Can the Bucks Hold the Fort Without Giannis?
Milwaukee at Atlanta, 1 p.m. ET (Peacock, NBCSN)
When Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the floor, the Bucks look like a juggernaut. A +7.4 net rating with him in the lineup paints a picture of a team that could flirt with 60 wins. But take him off the court, and things get shaky - a -10.3 net rating turns Milwaukee into something closer to a lottery team.
That’s been the defining question for the Bucks this season: can they survive the non-Giannis minutes? Monday’s matchup in Atlanta will be another test, and it comes with a little extra juice. The game is in King’s birthplace, and the energy in the building on MLK Day is always a notch higher.
Off the court, there’s been plenty of noise around Milwaukee, but don’t expect a blockbuster move involving Giannis before the trade deadline. The Bucks are focused on adding help around their superstar - someone who can stabilize those minutes when he’s catching a breather.
Atlanta, meanwhile, has already made its big move, sending Trae Young to Washington in exchange for CJ McCollum’s expiring deal and wing Corey Kispert. And here’s the twist - the Hawks have looked better without Young.
They’re leaning into a new identity, and Jalen Johnson is quickly becoming the face of it. Averaging 23.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while anchoring the defense, Johnson is playing like a first-time All-Star and could be one of the cornerstones of Atlanta’s next era.
2. Which Version of the Cavaliers Will Show Up?
Oklahoma City at Cleveland, 2:30 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
The Thunder are one of the most consistent teams in the league. Elite defense?
Check - best in the NBA, in fact, by a wide margin. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level, and the depth is unreal.
Whether it’s Alex Caruso locking up opposing guards or Ajay Mitchell putting in work off the bench as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, OKC brings it every night.
Cleveland? It’s been a rollercoaster.
One night they’re toppling contenders like Philly, Minnesota, or Denver. The next, they’re dropping games to teams like Utah or Charlotte.
The inconsistency has been maddening. They’ll flash elite effort and execution one night - like when they dismantled the 76ers - only to follow it up with a flat performance that leaves you scratching your head.
With Darius Garland out due to a foot injury, the Cavaliers will lean even more on Donovan Mitchell. If he and the rest of the squad bring their A-game, this one could be a thriller. But if Cleveland comes out even a step slow, Oklahoma City has the firepower and discipline to blow the game wide open.
3. Cooper Flagg Steps Into the Garden Spotlight
Dallas at New York, 5 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Madison Square Garden has a way of elevating moments into memories. It’s where legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Reggie Miller, and Stephen Curry have all authored iconic performances. On MLK Day, it’s Cooper Flagg’s turn under the bright lights.
Flagg’s rookie season started off rocky - remember when Jason Kidd tried to run him at point guard? - but once he returned to his natural forward spot, things clicked. In December, he averaged 23.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Oh, and he broke LeBron James’ record for most points scored by an 18-year-old in a single NBA game, dropping 42 on the Jazz. That’s not just a coming-out party - that’s a statement.
While Flagg is the headliner, keep an eye on whether Jalen Brunson suits up. He’s day-to-day with an ankle sprain and missed Saturday’s game against the Suns. A year ago, Brunson lit it up on MLK Day, and his presence could elevate what’s already shaping up to be a marquee matchup.
4. Can Boston Crack Detroit’s Defensive Code?
Boston at Detroit, 8 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
This might surprise some folks, but at the halfway point of the season, the Pistons and Celtics sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. And if things keep trending this way, Monday’s game could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals.
It’s a clash of strengths: Detroit boasts the league’s second-best defense, while Boston comes in with the No. 2 offense. And when these two teams meet, defense tends to win out.
Take their three previous matchups this season. In the first, Jaylen Brown poured in 41 points, but Boston’s offensive rating for the night was 10 points below their season average.
In the second, Cade Cunningham exploded for 42, but Boston managed to stay near their offensive norm and pulled out the win. In the third meeting, even with strong games from Brown (34) and Derrick White (31), Detroit’s defense held the Celtics to just 105 points - 13 below their usual output.
This game will once again come down to whether Boston’s firepower can crack Detroit’s defensive wall. Either way, expect fireworks from Brown and Cunningham, both of whom are building strong MVP resumes.
From rising stars to playoff-caliber showdowns, MLK Day in the NBA always delivers. This year’s slate is loaded with meaning, matchups, and moments that could shape the rest of the season.