The NBA’s beloved Christmas Day tradition returns on December 25, 2025, with five blockbuster games spanning over 13 hours on ABC and ESPN. This year’s lineup features defending champions, MVP contenders, rookie sensations, and iconic stars—delivering must-watch matchups from noon ET to late night. Highlights include LeBron James’ record 20th Christmas appearance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s debut, and clashes blending youth (Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg) with veterans (Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić).
All games air live on ABC/ESPN (stream via ESPN App or services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV).
Full Schedule (Times ET):
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Key Storylines |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 p.m. | Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks | NBA Cup champs Knicks host surging Cavs; Donovan Mitchell vs. Jalen Brunson duel. |
| 2:30 p.m. | San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder | Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander debuts on Christmas; Victor Wembanyama’s sophomore showcase vs. defending champs. |
| 5:00 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors | Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg’s Christmas debut; Luka Dončić vs. Stephen Curry magic. |
| 8:00 p.m. | Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers | LeBron’s milestone game; Kevin Durant returns to face Luka and the Lakers. |
| 10:30 p.m. | Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets | Anthony Edwards vs. Nikola Jokić in a Western powerhouse nightcap. |
This slate celebrates the NBA’s holiday legacy (78th year of Christmas games) while spotlighting 2025’s narratives: Thunder’s title defense, rising rookies like Flagg, and enduring stars chasing records. Expect high-scoring thrillers—past Christmases averaged exciting finishes.
Grab the eggnog, settle in, and enjoy the gift of hoops—Merry Christmas from the NBA!