The NBA schedule might be launched this week, however we have already got discovered the marquee matchup for Opening Evening and Christmas Day.
ESPN’s Shams Charnia reported Tuesday morning which groups will take part within the largest days for the NBA forward of the total schedule launch.
These Christmas Day matchups might be on ABC and ESPN. Let’s rank the matchups from worst to finest.
5. Denver Nuggets @ Golden State Warriors
The Nuggets are clearly the higher staff right here. Nikola Jokic vs. Stephen Curry is a must-see Christmas Day basketball recreation.
However let’s be trustworthy.
Neither of those groups are prone to contend for the Western Convention Championship subsequent yr, and there are many different thrilling gamers and groups on this slate.
4. Philadelphia 76ers @ Los Angeles Lakers
Could 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers ahead LeBron James (23) in the course of the second half in recreation 4 of the second spherical of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Area. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photos Equally, everybody is aware of that the Sixers are the a lot better staff right here.
The NBA needed to schedule LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles on Christmas Day. However the Sixers are a authentic championship contender whereas the Lakers aren’t anticipated to be actual contenders in a loaded Western Convention whereas they reload round Luka Doncic.
3. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder @ Minnesota Timberwolves
There’s no purpose to doubt that the Thunder will return to their standing as one of many high groups within the league subsequent season. However this new-look level guard battle between MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and newly acquired Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball ought to be a really thrilling matchup.
Pairing Ball with Anthony Edwards will make the Timberwolves an entertaining watch this season and so they might be a staff to threaten the Thunder or San Antonio Spurs come playoff time.
2. Miami Warmth @ Boston Celtics
Nov 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring his 21,000th profession level within the third quarter towards the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Discussion board. Necessary Credit score: Benny Sieu-Imagn Photos Two groups that had two huge offseasons seeking to contend for the Jap Convention Championship on Christmas Day? Big matchup.
The Warmth traded for Giannis Antentokunompo this offseason, lastly ending the awkwardness with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics traded away Jaylen Brown to the Sixers, however acquired Paul George within the deal.
There’s a number of stars on new groups on this matchup.
1. San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks
Signal us up for a rematch of the 2025-26 NBA Finals.
The Knicks handed the Spurs in 5 video games, capping off one of the thrilling postseason runs ever.
It was a enjoyable NBA Finals, as teen Victor Wembanyama discovered the way to navigate championship-level expectations whereas Jalen Brunson cemented his place in New York sports activities historical past.
This might be an awesome recreation to replicate on an awesome NBA Finals, and see how every staff is progressing by way of the 2026 season.
