The NBA’s annual Christmas Day slate is one of the biggest traditions in sports, delivering wall-to-wall basketball featuring marquee teams, superstar players, and national broadcasts. The 2025 NBA Christmas Day schedule, presented by State Farm, includes five must-watch games airing across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+, starting at noon ET and running late into the night.
Below is the complete Christmas Day NBA schedule, including tip-off times and viewing information.
NBA Christmas Day Schedule (All Times ET)
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden
- TV: ABC / ESPN
- Why it matters: A classic Eastern Conference showdown at the NBA’s most iconic arena, featuring playoff-caliber teams and a high-energy holiday crowd.
San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
- Time: 2:30 PM ET
- TV: ESPN
- Why it matters: A clash of youth and star power, highlighting the league’s next generation and fast-paced basketball.
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
- Time: 5:00 PM ET
- TV: ABC / ESPN
- Why it matters: One of the most anticipated games of the day, featuring elite scorers, championship pedigree, and major Western Conference implications.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV: ESPN
- Why it matters: Christmas night in Los Angeles brings star power, national attention, and a high-profile matchup at Crypto.com Arena.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
- Time: 10:30 PM ET
- TV: ESPN / ESPN+
- Why it matters: A late-night showdown between top Western Conference contenders, closing out Christmas with playoff-level intensity.
How to Watch NBA Christmas Day Games
All five games will be nationally televised and streamed across ESPN’s platforms:
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN+ (select games)
- Streaming options include the ESPN app, ABC app, and live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TV (with ESPN/ABC access)
No local blackouts apply, making Christmas Day one of the easiest days to watch NBA games nationwide.
Why NBA Christmas Day Is Special
The NBA has owned Christmas Day for decades, using the holiday to showcase rivalries, Finals-level matchups, global superstars, and maximum national exposure.
For fans, it’s a full day of uninterrupted basketball, from lunchtime tip-offs to late-night finishes.
Final Thoughts
The NBA Christmas Day 2025 schedule delivers everything fans expect: iconic venues, elite teams, and nonstop action from noon until nearly midnight. Whether you are tuning in for one game or watching all five, Christmas Day remains one of the most anticipated days on the NBA calendar.