Expanding on the initial stakes and pairings for the December 25, 2025, NBA Christmas Day slate of five games on ABC/ESPN, this update highlights betting odds, injury impacts, key stats, projections and player quotes amid roster shifts and rivalries.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers (noon ET, Madison Square Garden): Knicks (20-9) welcome back Jalen Brunson (29.1 ppg) and OG Anunoby after their Tuesday loss; Cavs (17-14) without Evan Mobley (calf). Donovan Mitchell paces Cleveland at 30.6 ppg. New York favored by 6.5 (O/U 239.5); models project 125-115 Knicks win.
Spurs vs. Thunder (2:30 p.m. ET, Oklahoma City): Spurs (22-7) on seven-game streak, having won both prior meetings including Tuesday's 130-110 rout. Victor Wembanyama (42 pts in last Christmas) vs. Chet Holmgren in 7-foot duel; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.6 ppg, MVP frontrunner). Thunder -9.5 (O/U 235.5), projections favor under. Wembanyama: "The MVP is on that court... Anybody is hard to guard." Holmgren: "(He) does things that other lineups don’t replicate."
Mavericks vs. Warriors (5 p.m. ET, Chase Center): Klay Thompson returns to Golden State as four-time champ; Dallas (12-19) without Kyrie Irving (knee, long-term), PJ Washington/Luka Doncic day-to-day? No, wait—new has Doncic for Lakers later; here Mavs day-to-day Washington. Stephen Curry (28.7 ppg). Warriors -8.5 (O/U 227.5), models like under.
Rockets vs. Lakers (8 p.m. ET, Los Angeles): Both on two-game skids; Houston added Kevin Durant (25.2 ppg). Luka Doncic's calf clouds Lakers. Rockets -3.5 (O/U 229.5).
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets (10:30 p.m. ET): Wolves surging (8-of-10 wins), renew April double-OT epic. Anthony Edwards (28.7 ppg) vs. Nikola Jokic (28.9 ppg, 12 rpg, 10.4 apg). Minnesota +3.5 (O/U 238.5).
These matchups showcase NBA depth, with simulation models providing betting edges.
