NBA Christmas Day 2025: Schedule, Matchups, and Predictions

The Ultimate Gift: A Guide to the NBA’s Christmas Day Marathon

For basketball fans, Christmas morning isn’t just about opening presents; it’s about the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of the opening tip-off at Madison Square Garden. The NBA has turned December 25th into its unofficial mid-season showcase, a day where rivalries are renewed, and the league’s brightest stars shine under the national spotlight.

This year’s slate is no different, featuring a five-game gauntlet that promises high-octane drama from noon until past midnight. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer looking for holiday entertainment, here is everything you need to know about this year's Christmas Classics.

1. The Noon Tradition: Knicks vs. 76ers

There is an undeniable energy in Manhattan when the New York Knicks host a Christmas Day opener. This year, the festivities kick off at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN, as Jalen Brunson and the Knicks take on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.

This matchup is more than just a divisional rivalry; it’s a clash of styles. The Knicks’ gritty, defensive-first identity will be tested by the sheer offensive gravity of the 76ers. Expect the Garden to be deafening as New York tries to start the holiday with a statement win in front of the home crowd.

2. A Clash of Titans: Celtics vs. Bucks

As the afternoon rolls in, the action shifts to a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview. At 2:30 PM ET on ABC, the defending champion Boston Celtics host Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Watching Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown navigate the length of the Bucks’ defense is always a tactical masterclass. Both teams have championship aspirations, and winning on Christmas Day provides a significant psychological edge heading into the new year. Keep an eye on the three-point line, as both teams are known for their ability to turn a close game into a blowout with a single hot streak.

3. The MVP Showcase: Nuggets vs. Mavericks

At 5:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN, we get the "Main Event" of the afternoon: Nikola Jokić vs. Luka Dončić. This is a dream matchup for purists who love high-IQ basketball and elite playmaking.

• Nikola Jokić: The triple-double machine who makes the game look effortless.
• Luka Dončić: The scoring virtuoso capable of dropping 50 points on any given night.

Seeing these two European superstars trade buckets is the perfect bridge between your holiday dinner and dessert. It’s a game where the stats will be gaudy and the highlights will be all over social media by the final buzzer.

4. Primetime Magic: Lakers vs. Warriors

It wouldn’t be Christmas without LeBron James. At 8:00 PM ET on ABC, the Los Angeles Lakers face off against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. This matchup represents the definitive rivalry of this generation.

Even as both legends enter the later stages of their careers, the aura surrounding a LeBron-Steph matchup remains unmatched. The Lakers’ size and physicality against the Warriors’ "Splash Brothers" shooting remains the NBA’s most compelling theater. Will LeBron add another Christmas record to his resume, or will Steph’s shooting display light up the night?

5. The Nightcap: Suns vs. Thunder

To wrap up the marathon, we head out west at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN. The veteran-led Phoenix Suns take on the young, ascending Oklahoma City Thunder.

This game is a fascinating look at the present versus the future. Kevin Durant remains one of the most lethal scorers in league history, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are no longer the "team of tomorrow"—they are winning today. It’s the perfect way to wind down the holiday, watching elite shot-making under the late-night lights.

Why Christmas Day Matters

For the players, these games are about more than just a "W" in the standings. A signature performance on Christmas Day can define a season and swing MVP conversations. For the fans, it’s a day to appreciate the artistry of the game.

So, grab your favorite jersey, settle into the couch, and enjoy the show. The NBA on Christmas is the gift that truly keeps on giving.