The NBA Christmas Day video games are a staple for the league, and this 12 months’s slate consists of LeBron James and the defending champions.
The league is gearing up for the 2026-27 marketing campaign after the New York Knicks captured final season’s title. Nevertheless, the five-game schedule is jam-packed with elite gamers and groups competing on the festive vacation.
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The NBA reveals there might be full slate of video games on Dec. 25, because the custom for the league continues this winter. Commissioner Adam Silver is giving followers a loaded listing of video games, together with LeBron taking over certainly one of his former groups.
In the meantime, it’s an ideal time for the league to additionally reinstall a rematch of final season’s NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
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2026 NBA Christmas Day video games rankings
5. Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors
No disrespect to the Warriors, however this Steph Curry-driven group isn’t what followers are craving any longer. The Nuggets absolutely have their very own star in Nikola Jokic, however it simply goes to point out how stacked the NBA Christmas slate is when this checks in at quantity 5.
4. Miami Warmth vs. Boston Celtics
The brand new-look Celtics received’t characteristic Jaylen Brown any longer, however this sport does get buzz with the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston and Miami have a protracted historical past of epic matchups, and hopefully 2026 delivers once more.
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3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron and the 76ers getting a crack on the Lakers could be a high watch on most days. Nevertheless, it’s unclear what Los Angeles will appear like with Luka Doncic main the franchise into the long run.
Philly is definitely stacked with Brown, James, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid starring for the revamped squad.
The NBA will characteristic 5 video games on Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25) for the nineteenth consecutive 12 months, with ABC and ESPN each televising every matchup.
Highlights embody the primary assembly between the Knicks and Spurs for the reason that 2026 NBA Finals, in addition to new 76er LeBron James’ return… pic.twitter.com/CgWdaaFJXN
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 11, 2026
2. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
This sport could possibly be a possible look-ahead at subsequent season’s Western Convention Finals. It’s exhausting to high Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder dealing with off with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.
Nevertheless, there’s one sport that merely might be circled initially for almost all of NBA followers.
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
It doesn’t get significantly better than final season’s finals, even when New York did handle to dispatch of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs comfortably.
San Antonio will get one other crack at a proficient Knicks groups and Wemby will definitely need to placed on an amazing show in entrance of a nationwide viewers.
