Catch All the Christmas NBA Action: Your Complete Viewing Guide

Christmas Day NBA Games: A Long-Standing Tradition

One cherished Christmas tradition is settling down after opening gifts to watch the NBA's spectacular lineup. Since 1947, basketball fans have enjoyed a holiday filled with excitement and rivalries that span generations. In 2025, this nearly 80-year tradition continues with a five-game slate that promises to showcase nearly 13 hours of enthralling NBA hoops.

As a fan, there's something uniquely festive about gathering around the television with family and friends, munching on leftovers, and immersing ourselves in the mix of high-stakes matchups. There's a dichotomy of feelings that surfaces as the opening tip-off approaches: the giddiness of the holiday, combined with the anticipation of watching some of the best players in the league go head-to-head.

What Games to Watch on Christmas?

The NBA's Christmas Day schedule opens at the iconic Madison Square Garden with the New York Knicks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• Noon ET: Knicks vs. Cavaliers on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2
• 2:30 p.m. ET: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs on ABC, ESPN
• 5:00 p.m. ET: Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors on ABC, ESPN
• 8:00 p.m. ET: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers on ABC, ESPN
• 10:30 p.m. ET: Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves on ABC, ESPN

Mark your calendars and set your reminders, because the NBA has everything scheduled perfectly for fans to be glued to their screens throughout the day!

How to Watch the Games

Each game will be available across several broadcasting platforms, fitting nicely into traditional setups as well as modern streaming services:

Television Channels

• ABC
• ESPN
• ESPN2

Live Streaming Options

For those opting for digital, you can catch the games on the ESPN app. Additionally, look out for the animated broadcast, "Dunk the Halls", airing on ESPN2 during the Knicks vs. Cavaliers game.

Gone are the days when one had to rely solely on cable to catch the action. Now, with various subscriptions, we have flexibility when it comes to enjoying live NBA content. This modern era of streaming opens up opportunities for fans to engage and follow their teams more conveniently than ever.

NBA Games on Christmas: Radio Broadcasts

For those who prefer to enjoy the games through audio, you can tune in to SiriusXM, with channels 82 covering away broadcasts and 86 for home broadcasts. No need to miss a moment of the action, even if you're on the go!

Final Thoughts

This year's Christmas slate promises matchups that highlight the rise of new stars, seasoned veterans, and intense rivalries. The Christmas Day games are not just matchups; they represent the heart of the sporting community, the nostalgia of traditions, and are watched by millions worldwide.

Whether you're cheering for old favorites or rooting for the up-and-coming teams, Christmas is a day when we can all come together, irrespective of our alliances. Enjoy the games, enjoy the holiday, and may the best teams win!

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