The NBA's Christmas Day slate on December 25, 2025, will showcase nine of the league's 10 most-viewed players on social media. Luka Dončić leads with 845 million views, followed closely by Victor Wembanyama at 708 million. The five-game lineup includes matchups like Cavaliers vs. Knicks and Lakers vs. Rockets.
The NBA announced on December 23, 2025, that nine of its top 10 most-viewed players across social media platforms will take the court on Christmas Day. This season's viewership leaders are Luka Dončić with 845 million views, Victor Wembanyama with 708 million, Stephen Curry with 703 million, LeBron James with 641 million, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 496 million, Nikola Jokić with 445 million, Austin Reaves with 409 million, Kevin Durant with 331 million, and Cooper Flagg with 312 million. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, with 304 million views, is the only top-10 player not scheduled to play.
The holiday features five games broadcast on ABC and ESPN, marking the 18th consecutive year of this tradition. The schedule begins at noon ET with the Cleveland Cavaliers facing the New York Knicks, followed by the San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 2:30 p.m. ET. At 5 p.m. ET, the Dallas Mavericks take on the Golden State Warriors, then the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 8 p.m. ET, and finally the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. ET.
These stars continue to drive fan engagement, as highlighted by the league's social media metrics. For instance, Dončić and Wembanyama top the list, promising high-interest action. Analysts have noted specific player storylines, such as Cooper Flagg's debut at just 19 years and four days old, Karl-Anthony Towns' defensive improvements with the Knicks, and Jamal Murray's efficiency for the Nuggets. The slate underscores the NBA's tradition of delivering marquee matchups on the holiday.
