The Oklahoma City Thunder will be battling the Carmelo Anthony and the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. Furthermore, the team could be continuing their tradition of hosting a game on New Year's Eve, although against an opponent that is still unknown at this point.

The Thunder have been playing on New Year's Eve since the 2008-09 season — their first year of inception in the league. And after all those years, it has become a tradition for Thunder fans to watch their team play before welcoming the new year. Last season, they matched up against the Dallas Mavericks, where they lost by three points, 116-113.

Though the New Year's Eve games are not as big as the Christmas Day slate, holding a tradition that has lasted for almost a decade should be considered a great feat. This is perhaps an effort by the league to attract more fans to watch the Thunder play. After all, they are considered a small-market team but with loads of talent. And as compared to other teams in the league, the Thunder as a franchise is still young.

Besides, what's a better way to prepare for the New Year festivities than to watch Russell Westbrook and Paul George electrify on the court?