- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,264,040
- Reaction score
- 59
The NBA Christmas Day games are a staple for the league, and this year’s slate includes LeBron James and the defending champions.
The league is gearing up for the 2026-27 campaign after the New York Knicks captured last season’s title. However, the five-game schedule is jam-packed with elite players and teams competing on the festive holiday.
MORE: 2026 NBA opening day schedule, full list of games released
The NBA reveals there will be full slate of games on Dec. 25, as the tradition for the league continues this winter. Commissioner Adam Silver is giving fans a loaded list of games, including LeBron taking on one of his former teams.
Meanwhile, it’s a perfect time for the league to also reinstall a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
MORE: ESPN’s opening week ‘Spider-Man’ graphic was bad, but at least it wasn’t AI
Philadelphia 76ers GM Mike Gansey and co-managing partner David Blitzer with guard Jaylen Brown. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
No disrespect to the Warriors, but this Steph Curry-driven team isn’t what fans are craving any longer. The Nuggets surely have their own star in Nikola Jokic, but it just goes to show how stacked the NBA Christmas slate is when this checks in at number five.
Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is introduced as a new member of the team. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The new-look Celtics won’t feature Jaylen Brown any longer, but this game does get buzz with the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston and Miami have a long history of epic matchups, and hopefully 2026 delivers again.
MORE: Why D’Angelo Russell wants Steph Curry to play for the Celtics
LeBron and the 76ers getting a crack at the Lakers would be a top watch on most days. However, it’s unclear what Los Angeles will look like with Luka Doncic leading the franchise into the future.
Philly is certainly stacked with Brown, James, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid starring for the revamped squad.
This game could be a potential look-ahead at next season’s Western Conference Finals. It’s hard to top Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder facing off with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.
However, there’s one game that simply will be circled first and foremost for the majority of NBA fans.
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges greets mayor Zohran Mamdani before receiving a key to the city. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
It doesn’t get much better than last season’s finals, even if New York did manage to dispatch of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs comfortably.
San Antonio gets another crack at a talented Knicks teams and Wemby will certainly want to put on a great display in front of a national audience.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
The league is gearing up for the 2026-27 campaign after the New York Knicks captured last season’s title. However, the five-game schedule is jam-packed with elite players and teams competing on the festive holiday.
MORE: 2026 NBA opening day schedule, full list of games released
The NBA reveals there will be full slate of games on Dec. 25, as the tradition for the league continues this winter. Commissioner Adam Silver is giving fans a loaded list of games, including LeBron taking on one of his former teams.
Meanwhile, it’s a perfect time for the league to also reinstall a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
MORE: ESPN’s opening week ‘Spider-Man’ graphic was bad, but at least it wasn’t AI
2026 NBA Christmas Day games rankings
You must be registered for see images attach
Philadelphia 76ers GM Mike Gansey and co-managing partner David Blitzer with guard Jaylen Brown. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
5. Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors
No disrespect to the Warriors, but this Steph Curry-driven team isn’t what fans are craving any longer. The Nuggets surely have their own star in Nikola Jokic, but it just goes to show how stacked the NBA Christmas slate is when this checks in at number five.
4. Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
You must be registered for see images attach
Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is introduced as a new member of the team. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The new-look Celtics won’t feature Jaylen Brown any longer, but this game does get buzz with the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston and Miami have a long history of epic matchups, and hopefully 2026 delivers again.
MORE: Why D’Angelo Russell wants Steph Curry to play for the Celtics
3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron and the 76ers getting a crack at the Lakers would be a top watch on most days. However, it’s unclear what Los Angeles will look like with Luka Doncic leading the franchise into the future.
Philly is certainly stacked with Brown, James, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid starring for the revamped squad.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
This game could be a potential look-ahead at next season’s Western Conference Finals. It’s hard to top Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder facing off with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.
However, there’s one game that simply will be circled first and foremost for the majority of NBA fans.
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
You must be registered for see images attach
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges greets mayor Zohran Mamdani before receiving a key to the city. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
It doesn’t get much better than last season’s finals, even if New York did manage to dispatch of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs comfortably.
San Antonio gets another crack at a talented Knicks teams and Wemby will certainly want to put on a great display in front of a national audience.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
