The Christmas Day sports calendar offers fans a full day of action, with five NBA matchups and three NFL games stretching over 12 hours.
NBA Showdown
The first NBA game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN/ABC, featuring the San Antonio Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are still riding the momentum of reaching the NBA Cup final, where they fell to the New York Knicks the previous week. The Thunder, who won a championship last season, boast the league’s best record at 25-3. Earlier this month, the Spurs upset the Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals.
NBA Showdown
At 8 p.m. on ESPN/ABC, the Houston Rockets host the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Durant, 37, continues to pour in buckets for Houston, while 40-year-old LeBron James remains a high-level competitor in his 23rd NBA season. The matchup is a rare opportunity to see the two stars face off on Christmas Day.
NBA Showdown
The 10:30 p.m. game on ESPN/ABC sees the Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Denver for the Nuggets. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is delivering another remarkable season, averaging a triple-double. The Timberwolves are led by the high-flying Anthony Edwards, offering an entertaining contrast.
NBA Showdown
At noon on ESPN/ABC, the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the New York Knicks. The Knicks, fresh off an NBA Cup win, field a roster centered on Jalen Brunson, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Mikal Bridges. The Cavaliers have regressed to a .500 record after leading the Eastern Conference with 64 wins last year.
NBA Showdown
The 5 p.m. game on ESPN/ABC pits the Dallas Mavericks against the Golden State Warriors. Dallas’s general manager Nico Harrison, known for orchestrating the Luka Dončić trade, was fired earlier this season. Despite a lackluster season, rookie Cooper Flagg’s improvement sparks hope. Warriors star Stephen Curry delivered a 48-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this month, but Golden State’s glory days appear to be waning.
NFL Highlights
The first NFL game starts at 4:30 p.m. on Netflix, with the Detroit Lions visiting the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions must win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while the Vikings, who have had a frustrating season, have won their last three games and could play spoiler.
NFL Highlights
At 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video, the Denver Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City’s playoff hopes are gone, and the team lost its top two quarterbacks to knee injuries. The Broncos, one of the league’s best teams, are trying to stay ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers and win the AFC West.
NFL Highlights
The final game of the day begins at 1 p.m. on Netflix, as the Dallas Cowboys visit the Washington Commanders. Both teams are eliminated from the playoff race, and Washington’s starting quarterback Jayden Daniels is out for the season after aggravating an elbow injury in Week 14.
Key Takeaways
- Five NBA games and three NFL matchups fill a 12-hour Christmas Day sports schedule.
- The Spurs-Thunder game features a recent playoff upset and the Thunder’s best record.
- The Rockets-Lakers clash highlights a rare Kevin Durant versus LeBron James showdown.
The day promises a blend of star power, playoff implications, and holiday entertainment for sports fans across the country.
Sources
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA, AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
