NBA starting lineups are set for today’s five-game Christmas slate, headlined by the Cavs at Knicks at noon ET. The second major matchup features the Thunder hosting the Spurs at 2:30 p.m., marking a historic debut for reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the holiday for the first time in his career.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Cavs-Knicks tips off at noon ET at Madison Square Garden, opening the 5-game Christmas slate
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes his first Christmas Day game as the 2024-25 NBA MVP and Finals MVP
- Thunder returns to Christmas action for the first time since 2018 against the Spurs
- Four NBA All-Stars debuting on Christmas today including Darius Garland, Jalen Williams, and Alperen Sengun
Cavs-Knicks Matchup Opens NBA Holiday Slate
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The Cleveland Cavaliers head to Madison Square Garden in what marks the first time since 2017 that the Cavs play on Christmas Day. The Knicks are favored by 5.5 points with a total set at 240.5 points for the holiday showcase. Donovan Mitchell leads the Cavaliers while Jalen Brunson anchors the Knicks lineup at the point guard position.
The teams have distinct offensive styles that should create an intriguing matchup. Mitchell’s scoring prowess against New York’s lockdown perimeter defense will be a key storyline. Madison Square Garden traditionally hosts one of the league’s marquee Christmas games, and this year doesn’t disappoint with two deep playoff contenders facing off during the holiday break.
Thunder-Spurs: Historic Christmas Debut for SGA
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The Oklahoma City Thunder host the San Antonio Spurs at 2:30 p.m. ET in a second prime-time matchup. This represents the Thunder’s first Christmas game since 2018, and it features a special milestone for reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA becomes the first player holding both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP awards to play on Christmas since LeBron James in 2013.
The Thunder bring a dominant 25-2 record into the season and face Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in a matchup of elite defensive schemes. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams make their first Christmas appearances alongside SGA, giving the Thunder three All-Stars experiencing the holiday atmosphere for the first time.
Complete Christmas Starting Lineups and Matchups
| Game | Time ET | TV Channel |
| Cavaliers at Knicks | 12:00 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Spurs at Thunder | 2:30 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Mavericks at Warriors | 5:00 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Rockets at Lakers | 8:00 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Wolves at Nuggets | 10:30 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
All five games air exclusively on ABC and ESPN, continuing the NBA’s longstanding holiday tradition. Darius Garland makes his Christmas debut with the Cavaliers at point guard, while Alperen Sengun takes the court for the Rockets. The lineup represents a mix of emerging stars and established veterans competing for holiday bragging rights.
Why This Christmas Slate Matters
SGA’s Christmas debut represents the first time a reigning MVP and Finals MVP plays on the holiday since 2013. The Thunder are riding the league’s best record while the Cavaliers return to Christmas competition for the first time in eight seasons. These storylines combine with established rivalries to create compelling holiday basketball throughout the afternoon and evening.
The Knicks continue their NBA tradition of hosting on Christmas, while the Warriors-Mavericks and Lakers-Rockets matchups feature the West’s strongest contenders. The cap comes with Denver hosting Minnesota in a Western Conference Finals rematch format. Each game carries playoff implications despite the holiday setting.
What Should Fans Watch For Tonight?
Keep your eyes on SGA and whether the MVP can deliver a statement performance in his first Christmas appearance. Watch how the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama handles elite Thunder scoring threats across 45 minutes of holiday action. The Knicks-Cavaliers game provides basketball at its finest with two defensive-minded teams testing playoff-level intensity. Will Mitchell’s scoring overcome New York’s perimeter discipline?
The evening slots feature LeBron James facing Alperen Sengun and the Rockets, plus the Warriors-Mavericks matchup of West heavyweights. Finally, the 10:30 p.m. game puts MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves in a matchup that could define Western Conference seeding.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.