NBA League Pass unlocks 5 Christmas games on December 25 with three first-time matchups, wait until you see who faces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder at 2:30 p.m.

NBA League Pass unlocks an exclusive view into basketball’s biggest holiday celebration. On December 25, the NBA delivers five marquee matchups across 14 consecutive hours of national coverage. The stage is set for first-time Christmas Day meetings and emerging rivalries.

A Renewed Rivalry Steals the Spotlight

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder face each other twice this week, with their Christmas Day meeting at 2:30 p.m. ET marking a fresh rivalry. The two teams squared off in the NBA Cup semifinals in December, igniting a competitive spark that continues into the holidays.

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs look to make a statement against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the well-rounded Thunder. This matchup showcases two of the Western Conference’s most intriguing young cores, with each team aiming to build championship momentum through the season.

Christmas Day 2025 Complete Game Schedule

First-Time Matchups and Star Power Collisions

The Cleveland Cavaliers tip off the holiday against the New York Knicks at noon, marking their first-ever Christmas Day meeting. The Cavaliers bring elite Eastern Conference credentials, while the Knicks seek to establish themselves as major contenders on the year’s biggest basketball stage.

The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors clash at 5 p.m. ET in another first-time Christmas matchup. Luka Doncic faces off against the defending Western Conference powerhouse, creating a compelling afternoon battle that tests Dallas’s championship aspirations against Golden State’s championship pedigree.

“ESPN continues its annual NBA on Christmas Day tradition on Thursday, December 25, with 14 consecutive hours of live NBA coverage, featuring a star-studded five-game slate.”

— ESPN Pressroom, Official Statement

Primetime Star Showdowns and Late-Night Clinchers

The Houston Rockets visit the Los Angeles Lakers at 8 p.m. in the evening’s centerpiece. Kevin Durant and the high-powered Rockets offense clash with Lakers tradition in a primetime showcase. Inside The NBA crews provide pre-game analysis at 7:30 p.m. ET before the action unfolds.

The Minnesota Timberwolves close the holiday slate against the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. ET. Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves against Nikola Jokic and the defending conference champions in a late-night Western Conference showdown. All five games stream live on NBA League Pass for full holiday coverage.

How Will These Early Christmas Showdowns Shape the Championship Race?

The holiday slate often reveals playoff-caliber matchups and potential Finals previews. These five games showcase the league’s best talent competing at the highest level during basketball’s most celebrated day. Fans witness championship contenders test their mettle against emerging powerhouses and traditional franchises.

NBA League Pass subscribers gain exclusive access to all games with multiple viewing angles, real-time stats, and professional commentary throughout the 14-hour broadcast. Entertainment value peaks when superstars like Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Kevin Durant battle on the same day. Will upstart Thunder derail Spurs momentum, or can San Antonio maintain their recent form heading into the new year?

Sources

• NBA.com – Official Christmas Day schedule and fixture announcements
• ESPN – Complete game times, preview details, and historical context
• NBC Sports – Broadcasting information and streaming availability

Annabelle Ink

Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.