The NBA has officially revealed its annual Christmas Day showcase, with five nationally televised games set for Friday, Dec. 25. The holiday slate marks the 19th consecutive year that the league will feature five Christmas Day matchups, with every game airing on ABC and ESPN.
Leading the festivities are two of the season’s most anticipated storylines.
The defending NBA champion New York Knicks will host the San Antonio Spurs in their first meeting since the 2026 NBA Finals, renewing what has quickly become one of the league’s premier rivalries.
Later in the day, all eyes will be on Los Angeles as LeBron James returns to Crypto.com Arena for the first time as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. The matchup against the Lakers will mark James’ first game back in Los Angeles since his blockbuster move to Philadelphia, creating one of the most anticipated regular-season games of the year.
2026 NBA Christmas Day schedule
- San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
- Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
- Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers
- Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
- Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors
With championship rematches, superstar returns and several of the league’s biggest names taking center stage, the NBA once again is leaning on marquee matchups to deliver one of its signature events of the regular season.
The full 2026-27 NBA regular-season schedule is expected to be released later this week.
