Ranking the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule

Christmas Day is a marquee event for the NBA. 

Every year, the league fills the day with elite matchups, pitting the best talents in the world against each other. Sometimes, we get a fierce rivalry; other times, it’s the best players at their position doing battle.

NBA on Christmas is a hoophead’s paradise. This season, five games will run back to back. Like most years, there will rarely be a dull moment or a ‘dud’ of a game. 

5. New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs

Noon ET

Christmas’ early game. Karl-Anthony Towns goes head-to-head with Victor Wembanyama in a battle of elite big men. This was designed to showcase two of the best, most versatile bigs in the NBA. However, getting too worked up for a contest that should be lopsided is hard.

The Knicks are among the best teams in the NBA. On the other hand, the Spurs are in the second year of a rebuild. Outside of a surprise slip, New York should handily beat the Spurs. Still, Jalen Brunson vs. Chris Paul is another fun faceoff to look out for, and both teams should provide an exciting start to the league’s festive schedule. 

4. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors 

8 p.m. ET

On paper, a LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry matchup should be a significant draw. After all, we don’t know how many more times we will see it. Unfortunately, both the Lakers and Warriors have been inconsistent this season. Los Angeles is among the worst defensive teams in the NBA, ranked 21st, while Golden State is ranked 15th for offensive rating. 

Neither team is excelling this year, and with aging superstars leading the way, this game could be sloppy. The league naturally wants to squeeze every last ounce out of its former leading stars. But from the outside looking in, Curry vs. James is a dice roll for a primetime Christmas match.

3. Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns

10:30 p.m. ET 

Kevin Durant vs. Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray vs. Bradley Beal. This has all the makings of a potential classic. It helps that the Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns in their last meeting, and this game gives Pheonix a shot at instant revenge. 

Nevertheless, both the Suns and Nuggets have been pictures of inconsistency. As such, it’s hard to bet on either team putting in a memorable performance, especially if Devin Booker remains sidelined. This game ranks ahead of the Lakers vs. Warriors due to the depth of each squad and the potential for a rivalry to form. Most importantly, Durant and Jokic going head-to-head is always must-see TV.

2. Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

5 p.m. ET 

The Celtics have every reason to come into this game fired up. They just suffered a shock defeat at the hands of a short-handed Orlando Magic team, and they’re facing one of their fiercest rivals. The Sixers should also be geared up. Beating Boston is their chance to give their season the turbo-boost it needs, both in momentum and confidence. 

Philadelphia hasn’t enjoyed the strong start it hoped for. Nick Nurse’s team is 12th in the Eastern Conference with a .370 record. Boston, on the other hand, is second only to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Anything can happen when a deep rivalry is played out on national television. The only concern is whether Jayson Tatum is cleared to play after missing Monday’s game against Orlando. 

As long as both teams are healthy, we should be fortunate to watch some stellar basketball from two big hitters in the Eastern Conference. 

1. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks

2:30 p.m. ET

A rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals. Both teams have a score to settle and will relish the opportunity to prove a point on national television. Neither team is the same as when they met during the 2024 playoffs. The Timberwolves swapped Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and are now struggling with a .500 record.

Dallas added Klay Thompson, and they have been thriving with the additional spacing he provides. Nevertheless, two of the league’s younger stars will battle in this game. Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards are both box office. They captivate fans with their unique skills and approach to the game. 

This contest has enough talent and storyline to appeal to every fan.