The NBA's marquee Christmas Day slate features five high-profile matchups on December 25, 2025, broadcast on ABC and ESPN. Teams like the Thunder and Knicks seek momentum amid varying records, while rivalries and star duels add intrigue. A recent Spurs upset over the Thunder heightens anticipation for their rematch.
The NBA's Christmas Day schedule highlights a festive lineup of games, starting at noon ET with the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-14) visiting the New York Knicks (20-9). The Knicks have met preseason expectations in the East, but the Cavaliers need a signature win to escape their slump and build confidence. A duel between Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson promises excitement, though the league might prefer a stronger Cavaliers showing.
At 2:30 p.m., the San Antonio Spurs (22-7) face the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-4) in a budding rivalry. The Thunder, who started 24-1, have lost both prior meetings to the Spurs, including a 130-110 defeat on December 23 where San Antonio shot 57 percent against Oklahoma City's top defense. Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be focal points, with the Thunder eager to dominate at home.
The 5 p.m. tip-off pits the Dallas Mavericks (12-19) against the Golden State Warriors (15-15), featuring rookie Cooper Flagg's first holiday game alongside Stephen Curry. Both teams have underperformed, but Dallas has improved lately, and the Warriors cannot afford a loss to a struggling opponent.
Later, the Houston Rockets (17-10) challenge the Los Angeles Lakers (19-9) at 8 p.m., spotlighting Kevin Durant versus LeBron James, pending Luka Dončić's status. Houston seeks a statement win after recent stumbles, while the Lakers aim to bolster postseason credentials.
The nightcap at 10:30 p.m. sees the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-10) at the Denver Nuggets (21-8), renewing a rivalry where Minnesota held the edge recently. Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić represent contrasting styles in a matchup both teams need for national validation.
Recent results add context: On December 23, the Mavericks edged Denver 131-130 behind Flagg and Anthony Davis's 64 points; the Timberwolves beat the Knicks 115-104, with Karl-Anthony Towns scoring 40 against Anthony Edwards's 38; and the Suns routed the Lakers 132-108 amid a Dillon Brooks-LeBron James incident.
