As we approach one of the most waited days of the year, the NBA has done their homework correctly and for Thursday, December 25, 2025, the league has curated a schedule that balances historic rivalries with the rise of a new generation of superstars.
From the first whistle in New York to the final call in Los Angeles, this year’s focus will not be merely on standings, as today the main characters are the families on the stands and at home watching television and the players spending their holiday under the brightest lights in sports.
The NBA’s 78th edition of Christmas Day games features a cross-country journey through five iconic arenas. Here is how the day breaks down (all times Eastern)
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
This game will take place at New York’s Madison Square Garden and the tip-off time is 12:00pm. The day kicks off at “The Mecca,” where Donovan Mitchell leads the Cavaliers against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks, who are riding high as the newly crowned 2025 NBA Cup Champions. For the Knicks, it is a chance to defend their home ground in a city where Christmas and basketball are extremely cultural.
2. San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder
At the Paycom Center, Dallas, the Spurs and Oklahoma City will meet at 2:30pm in a game that is arguably the main event for basketball purists. This game is a clash of two different basketball forces, the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama against the magic of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This game reminds us that while the holidays are for peace, on the court, the competition is still fiercer than ever.
3. Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors
Inside the Chase Center at 5:00 PM, the focus shifts to Boston, where the Warriors host the Mavs. This is way more than a game, it represents a chapter in one of the NBA’s greatest games. Watching rookie Cooper Flaggbattle Stephen Curry on a holiday feels like an early present, bringing a playoff atmosphere to a day otherwise defined by warmth and family.
4. Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers
As the sun sets outside the Crypto.com Arena, another potential main event begins in Los Angeles at 8:00pm. Legendary LeBron James faces Kevin Durant in a battle between two players who have defined an era of basketball. Seeing them compete in 2025 is a testament to longevity, and a friendly reminder to fans to appreciate these icons while they are still at the peak of their powers.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets
To close the Christmas evening, Nuggets and Suns will collide in the Ball Arena in Denver at 10:30pm. A powerhouse like Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves bring their elite defense to face the three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. It will be a physical, amazing finale to 13 hours of consecutive basketball.
How to watch and stream
For the 24th consecutive year, ESPN and ABC will be the exclusive homes for the holiday slate.
- Broadcast: All five games will be available on ESPN and ABC
- Streaming: Fans can stream the action via the ESPN App or through any major live TV streaming service (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV).
- History note: For all the players, this day is means a sacrifice of family time to entertain fans. Many teams, like the Thunder, are celebrating their first holiday game in years, making tomorrow a “bucket list” moment for their young rosters..
Beyond the highlight reels, the NBA Christmas games represent a shared cultural moment for all basketball moments. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer joining a relative on the couch, the league’s ability to gather millions of spectators even during days like this one, remain their greatest achievement.
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