The NBA has officially announced its Christmas Day schedule for the 2026-27 season, featuring a lineup of five thrilling matchups that highlight star players and intense rivalries.
Why it matters: Christmas Day games are a marquee event in the NBA, drawing massive viewership and excitement. This year’s lineup promises to showcase some of the league's biggest stars and most storied franchises, enriching the holiday experience for basketball fans.
The Christmas Day schedule includes five games starting at 12 p.m. ET and ending at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Notable returning players include LeBron James, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokić.
The New York Knicks will host their 59th Christmas game, continuing a long-standing tradition of holiday basketball.
Driving the news: The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule features a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals as the San Antonio Spurs visit the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, marking a highly anticipated showdown.
The Knicks will raise their championship banner before the game, celebrating their first title since 1973.
The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, will look to avenge their Finals loss to the Knicks.
This matchup is set for 12 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, kicking off the day’s festivities.
State of play: Following the Spurs vs. Knicks, the Miami Heat will face the Boston Celtics at 2:30 p.m. ET, reigniting one of the NBA's fiercest rivalries.
This game will feature Giannis Antetokounmpo, who returns to the Christmas lineup for the first time since 2023.
The Celtics, aiming for redemption after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas in 2024, will be looking to capitalize on their home court advantage.
Miami holds the best Christmas winning percentage at .857, making them a formidable opponent.
The big picture: The Christmas Day slate continues with the Philadelphia 76ers taking on the Los Angeles Lakers at 5 p.m. ET, marking LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles after signing with Philadelphia in the offseason.
James, now with the 76ers, is set to play in his record 21st Christmas Day game, bringing a wealth of experience to the matchup.
In this game, he will reunite with former teammates and face off against a retooled Lakers squad.
Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown will also be key players for the 76ers in this star-studded affair.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike are buzzing about the lineup.
“It’s a gift for basketball fans,” said an NBA insider, highlighting the star power present in each game.
Commentators are excited about the potential for high-scoring affairs, especially with players like Jokić and Curry taking the court.
The rematch between the Knicks and Spurs is particularly noted for its significance following their Finals clash.
By the numbers: Each game on Christmas Day brings its own unique storylines and historical significance.
LeBron James leads all players with 525 points in Christmas Day games, a record he looks to extend.
Steph Curry has made 28 three-pointers on Christmas, tying him for third-most in history.
The Knicks have played more Christmas games than any other team, boasting a total of 58 appearances.
What's next: Following the Christmas Day matchups, the NBA will continue to showcase international games starting in November.
The first international game will see the Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City on November 7, 2026.
Fans can also look forward to games in Paris and Manchester in January 2027.
The Knicks will also play the Boston Celtics on October 23 as part of Amazon Prime’s first Friday night doubleheader.
With the Christmas Day schedule now set, fans can expect a thrilling day of basketball filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.