NBA Christmas Day Games 2025
As the holiday season approaches, basketball fans can look forward to the NBA’s cherished tradition of Christmas Day games, now in its 78th year. This year promises an exciting lineup of matches that will stretch from midday until the evening of December 25, 2025. A total of five games will be featured, broadcasted on both ABC and ESPN, ensuring extensive coverage over 13 consecutive hours.
Game Schedule
The schedule kicks off at 12:00 PM ET with a match between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, followed by an afternoon game at 2:30 PM ET where the San Antonio Spurs will face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The evening slate includes the Dallas Mavericks taking on the Golden State Warriors at 5:00 PM ET and the Houston Rockets vying against the Los Angeles Lakers at 8:00 PM ET. The festivities will wrap up with the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 PM ET.
Historical Significance
This year’s slate is particularly exciting, featuring four teams that have claimed NBA titles in recent years: the Lakers (2020), Warriors (2022), Nuggets (2023), and the Thunder (2025).
The Christmas Day games have a storied history, originating in the league’s second season in 1947, making it a longstanding tradition. The New York Knicks hold the record for the most Christmas Day appearances, having played in 57 games. Interestingly, the Knicks and the Lakers also share the honor for the highest number of victories on this holiday, each achieving 25 wins.
Notable Players
Among notable players, LeBron James stands out with 19 games played on Christmas Day, accumulating 507 points—both records in NBA history. He surpassed Dwyane Wade’s mark for most Christmas victories with his 11th win last year. Other basketball legends with significant Christmas Day appearances include Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Steph Curry.
Scoring Records
The all-time scoring record for a single Christmas game is held by Bernard King, who scored an impressive 60 points for the New York Knicks during a matchup against the New Jersey Nets in 1984. Other athletes who have scored over 50 points on Christmas include Wilt Chamberlain, Luka Doncic, and Rick Barry.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the 2025-2026 NBA season will also feature games airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock. New offerings include ‘Peacock NBA Monday’, which will showcase up to three games every Monday throughout the season. Moreover, ‘Coast 2 Coast Tuesday’ will present doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. Fans can check local listings for the latest updates on these broadcasts.
For avid viewers eager to catch the action, signing up for Peacock allows access to live sports, shows, and an array of films—all tailored to suit diverse viewing preferences.
