The NBA might be experiencing a summer lull, but it’s already time to look ahead to Christmas basketball. A recent leak revealed the schedule for the 2025 Christmas Day games, which promises a lineup of exciting matchups that fans will be eager to tune into.
This year, the NFL has moved into the Christmas Day spotlight, perhaps seeing the NBA more as background noise rather than competition. Traditionally, December 25 has been a day for basketball, and the NBA intends to keep its foothold. With superstars like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Victor Wembanyama, and rookie standout Cooper Flagg slated to play, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Let’s rank the five games to be featured on that day.
5. Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors
This matchup signals the strength of the NBA’s Christmas roster. The Warriors are a constant presence on December 25, especially with Steph Curry still in top form. I was a little surprised to see Cooper Flagg getting such a big stage, particularly with teammate Kyrie Irving recovering from injury. Flagg, who just turned 19, is the youngest player in the league, and a game like this could really boost his visibility. He’s destined to become a key player for the league.
As for the Warriors, they’re likely to be hovering around the 6-8 seed in the Western Conference this year. I doubt Dallas will fare much better than a play-in game without Irving. It’s a solid matchup, but you know, sometimes it’s perfectly fine to skip the game to spend time with friends and family during the holidays.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
The day kicks off with two contenders from the East. Madison Square Garden sets a stunning stage for Christmas Day games, and both teams are considered serious competitors. Many fans are already predicting this could be an Eastern Conference Finals preview.
Why is it ranked fourth, though? Well, unless you’re really into specifics like who’s coming off the bench for the Knicks, there’s not much excitement compared to other games. Both teams are under pressure to perform this season, especially with the Celtics and Pacers facing tough times due to injuries. Yes, I’d love to see these teams clash in May, but this matchup lacks the same thrill as others on the slate.
3. Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
This year, the Lakers will have the ever-charismatic Luka Doncic on their side, with LeBron reaching another milestone birthday around this time. The Lakers’ fortunes will depend largely on Doncic, yet there are reasons to be hopeful about the Rockets. They previously won 52 games and secured the second seed in the West, albeit lacking standout scorers. After a rocky stretch in Phoenix, Kevin Durant is now back in the mix at 37, likely augmenting the Rocket’s offensive capabilities.
The Rockets bring depth and athleticism, while the Lakers boast the standout talent on the floor. It’s hard to deny that these two teams have some of the finest individual players, depending on how much LeBron chooses to engage during the regular season. I could see the Rockets outpacing the Lakers in wins this year, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Doncic uses this game to make a strong bid for the MVP title. We’ll likely witness high-level play from both teams under experienced coaches and future Hall of Famers.
2. Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Currently slated for the nightcap, this matchup features one of the NBA’s paramount rivalries. The Nuggets eliminated the Timberwolves in 2023, paving the way for the franchise’s first championship. The Wolves bounced back strong the following year, highlighting Anthony Edwards as a burgeoning star.
If you’re eager to watch the best players, look no further than Nikola Jokic, who continues to hold the title for the sixth year in a row. And on the other side, Edwards is proving to be one of the most electrifying guards in the league. With the Nuggets enhancing their roster over the offseason and the Wolves looking to capitalize on their young talent, this game is definitely one to catch.
Interestingly, Minnesota has a history of success against Denver recently—a factor that adds further intrigue to this matchup.
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder claimed the 2025 NBA Championship, and this year they’ve only gotten stronger with their roster nearing peak performance. If any franchise looks poised to create a dynasty in this era, it’s the Thunder, with the Spurs standing as a formidable adversary. Victor Wembanyama, already showing off his potential as one of the top ten players in the league, still has plenty of room to grow. Meanwhile, the Spurs have bolstered their team this season, locking up De’Aaron Fox as a key support player.
The Thunder seem to be riding high, while Wembanyama aims to push the Spurs toward the playoffs. However, making it to the postseason amidst tough West competition would be a strong accomplishment for them this year. Wembanyama shone brightly during Christmas last year, and it’s clear he’s just getting started. While this game may not determine the Western Conference’s fate right away, it promises to be one of the most captivating matchups of NBA Christmas.
