The NBA's Christmas Day games have become a long-standing tradition, dating back to 1947. This annual event highlights the league's top talent and features thrilling matchups.
As Joe Dumars, NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, puts it, “It’s a privilege, for players and for teams organizations...When you’re on, when you’re playing on that day, it’s an honor.”
The History of NBA Christmas Day Games
The NBA Christmas Day games have been a fixture of the league since its second season in 1947, and this year marks the 77th consecutive season of NBA games on Christmas Day. These games have always showcased some of the best teams and players in the league, making it a highly anticipated event for basketball fans.
NBA Christmas Day 2024 Game Schedule
The 2024 NBA Christmas Day schedule features five exciting matchups across ABC and ESPN. All times are Eastern:
- San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks – 12:00 PM
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks – 2:30 PM
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics – 5:00 PM
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors – 8:00 PM
- Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns – 10:30 PM
NBA Christmas Day Game Analysis
Spurs vs. Knicks: The Garden’s Christmas Tradition
The New York Knicks have a storied history of Christmas Day games, with 56 appearances, the most of any team. The Christmas Day noon game at Madison Square Garden has become a New York holiday tradition. This year, the matchup features the debut of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who impressed during his last game against the Knicks by scoring 40 points and grabbing 20 rebounds. However, the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson also made headlines by scoring 61 points in that same game. Wembanyama, a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, will face a tough challenge against the second-best offense in the NBA, led by the Knicks.
Timberwolves vs. Mavericks: A Western Conference Rivalry
This game rekindles the rivalry between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks, stemming from their Western Conference Finals matchup last May. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves, one of the NBA's rising stars, will face off against Dallas’ star duo Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Despite some early struggles, the Mavericks remain a strong contender in the West, while the Timberwolves’ defensive prowess will challenge the Mavs’ stars.
76ers vs. Celtics: A Potential East Finals Preview
One of the most anticipated matchups of the day features the defending champion Boston Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that underwent significant changes during the offseason to challenge the Celtics’ dominance. Boston’s three-point-heavy offense, averaging 50+ attempts per game, will be tested by the 76ers, who have had injury struggles, particularly with MVP candidate Joel Embiid. If Philadelphia’s core trio — Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey — can stay healthy and on the court together, they could make this a compelling contest.
Lakers vs. Warriors: LeBron vs. Curry
A Christmas Day matchup between two of the NBA’s most iconic stars, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, is always a must-watch. LeBron, who has played in 19 NBA Christmas Day games, is the all-time scoring leader for both the NBA and Christmas Day games. This game also features two teams that have won recent championships but are currently facing challenges in the deep Western Conference. Despite their aging rosters, both teams have shown they can rise to the occasion in big games, and Christmas Day presents the perfect stage.
Nuggets vs. Suns: A Western Showdown
The final game of the day features the Denver Nuggets, the 2023 NBA champions, against the Phoenix Suns, a team built to challenge them in the West. This game features three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, who is playing at an MVP-caliber level this season, as he faces off against the Suns' star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Phoenix, struggling with a 14-13 record, is in desperate need of a win to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
The NBA's Christmas Day games offer something for every basketball fan, from rising stars to legendary matchups. Whether it’s the debut of Wembanyama at Madison Square Garden or LeBron facing Curry, these games showcase the best of what the league has to offer. With star power, rivalries, and compelling storylines, NBA Christmas Day is a tradition that continues to thrill fans year after year.