With only a few hours left to celebrate Christmas, people worldwide are already getting ready to enjoy this joyous occasion with their family and friends. To add a layer of excitement to this festive season, every year, we have NBA games on Christmas Day with a lineup of thrilling games. On Christmas Day, NBA Games 2024 will deliver nonstop and unforgettable moments this year. It has been a tradition since 1947 for the NBA to hold games on Christmas Day, December 25. These games are not just a part of the holiday season but also a significant event in the NBA season, often featuring top teams and players. Since 2008, there have been five games played on Christmas Day, and starting in 1995, the reigning NBA champions participated in a Christmas game. Looking back to the history of Christmas Day NBA Games, it was first played on December 25, 1947, when the New York Knicks defeated the Providence Steamrollers with a score of 89-75. Except for 1998, the NBA has hosted a Christmas game each year.
Without a set system to choose the teams, the matchups typically involve those who competed in the previous season’s finals. Additionally, the NBA aims to showcase the reigning MVP and other top players from the league. In this Christmas Day NBA Games, the New York Knicks hold a special place, having played more Christmas Day games than any other team, with a total of 54. Their legacy in these games is a testament to the historical significance of the tradition. In 2023, they triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 129-122. Conversely, the Charlotte Hornets remain the only active NBA team that has never participated in a Christmas Day game, having not been scheduled for one since their entry into the league in 1988. The inaugural Christmas Day game outside the United States occurred in 2019, with the Boston Celtics winning against the Toronto Raptors 118-102. Although this tradition occurs annually, it elicits mixed reactions from fans, players, and coaches.
Many support the Christmas Games tradition, viewing it as an honor that offers a chance to compete on national television and rewards outstanding teams and players. The NBA Christmas Day games also significantly contribute to the league’s popularity and revenue, attracting a large audience and generating high viewership ratings. Conversely, others express dissatisfaction about playing on Christmas Day, arguing it detracts from family time. They are concerned that playing a game on Christmas Day takes away from the meaning of Christmas. As NBA Christmas Day 2024 approaches, fans and players are excited about the chance to watch essential games on national TV. Whether you are watching with family, friends, or solo, the 2024 NBA on Christmas Day is the perfect way to add excitement to your holiday celebrations.
Christmas Day NBA Games 2024 Schedule
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
NBA Christmas Day Games 2024 – Event Details
| Game | Location | ET | PT | IST | (AEDT) |
| San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks | Madison Square Garden, New York | Noon | 9.00 a.m. | 10.30 p.m. (Next Day) | 4:00 a.m. (Next Day) |
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks | American Airlines Center, Dallas | 2.30 p.m. | 11.30 a.m. | 1.00 a.m. (Next Day) | 6:30 a.m. (Next Day)
|
| Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics | TD Garden, Boston | 5.00 p.m. | 2.00 p.m. | 3.30 a.m. (Next Day) | 9:00 a.m. (Next Day) |
| Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors | Chase Center, San Francisco | 8.00 p.m. | 5.00 p.m. | 6.30 a.m. (Next Day) | Noon (Next Day) |
| Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns | Footprint Center, Phoenix | 10.30 p.m. | 7.30 p.m. | 9.00 a.m. (Next Day) | 2:30 p.m. (Next Day) |
Where to Watch Christmas Day NBA Games 2024?
For fans across the globe, here is where you can catch the NBA Christmas Day games in 2024:
It will be shown on ESPN in Argentina and Australia, and in Canada, TSN, Sportsnet, and NBA TV Canada will have the game.
In Denmark and France, the games will be shown on TV2, and in Germany, the games will be available on League Pass and Prosieben MAXX.
For fans in China, the games will be available on League Pass, Tencent, SMG Mobile, and SiTV, and in Japan, the games will be shown on WOWOW and League Pass.
In the Philippines, the games will be available on NBA TV Philippines, League Pass, and Setanta Sport, while in Spain, the games will be shown on League Pass, Vamos, and Movistar Plus.+.
The Christmas Day NBA Games 2024 will be broadcast in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 2. In the US, they will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+.
In India, catch the NBA Christmas Day games on Disney+ Hotstar. All games will be streamed live, and the unique animated presentation of the Spurs vs. Knicks matchup, “Dunk the Halls,” will be featured.
Predictions
New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs
For the 2024 NBA Christmas Day games, the San Antonio Spurs will play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden (New York, NY) on December 25, 2024. This is an anticipated holiday season showdown, and this will be their first meeting this season, making the game more intense and enjoyable to watch and making Christmas Day even more special. The San Antonio Spurs had the upper hand in their head-to-head series, 58-45. This season, the New York Knicks stand third in the Eastern Conference, with 19 wins and 10 losses. In their prior match, they won their fourth consecutive match with the Toronto Raptors, scoring 139-125.
Ogugua Anunoby led the team with 31 points, four assists, and seven rebounds, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 31 points, seven assists, and 10 rebounds, leading the team toward success. The San Antonio Spurs stand ninth in the Western Conference with 15 wins and 14 losses. They snapped their two consecutive victories in their last match by losing to the Philadelphia 76ers 106-111. Victor Wembanyama led the team with 26 points, four assists, and nine rebounds. Despite their strong performance, they could not hold the Philadelphia 76ers and ended the game in defeat. The New York Knicks will have an edge to win this game based on their recent performances.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves are all set for their 2024 NBA Christmas Day game on December 25, 2024, at American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX). The past three games have disappointed the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they lost to the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Atlanta Hawks. So, to break up this long losing streak, this game will be crucial for the Minnesota Timberwolves to come back on the track of victory and push up their position in the Western Conference. In terms of performance, they average 109.4 points, and defensively, they hold their opponent to 106.9 points per game. In this game, there’s uncertainty with SF Joe Ingles (Soleus), PF Luka Garza (ankle), and SG Daishen Nix (ankle), as they might be joining us to play against Dallas.
On the other hand, following their 95-118 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, in their second straight match with the Los Angeles Clippers, they won with a score of 113-97. In addition, their last game with Portland Trail made them continue their victory path with a score of 132-108. The Dallas Mavericks have an offensive average of 118.4 points, and defensively, they conceded 112.2 points per game. Point Guard Luka Dončić (heel) and Shooting Guard Jaden Hardy (ankle) are considered questionable for participation in the upcoming game against Minnesota. Considering the recent form and home-court advantage, the Dallas Mavericks will win this game.
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Boston Celtics will host the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden (Boston, MA) on December 25, 2024, in the 2024 NBA Christmas Day game. The Boston Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference with 22 wins and seven losses. Their prior match with the Orlando Magic ended in a narrow defeat, 104-108. Despite the strong performance of Jaylen Brown, who contributed 35 points, four assists, and nine rebounds, the opponent’s third-quarter dominance caused the Boston Celtics to lose the game. The Boston Celtics’ key player is Jayson Tatum, averaging 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while Jaylen Brown contributes significantly with an average of 23.4 points per game.
Playing at their home will be comfortable for the Boston Celtics to show a brilliant performance among their fans, especially during this festive season. It will be another eye treat for the Boston Celtics fans to witness the match at their home court. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are experiencing a disastrous season, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference with 10 wins and 17 losses. Despite their mixed result, the Philadelphia 76ers performed phenomenally in the last match against the San Antonio Spurs by winning the game with a score of 111-106. Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 49ers with 32 points, eight assists, and ten rebounds. Therefore, with the dominant performance of the season, the Boston Celtics will have the upper hand to win this game.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
On December 25, 2024, the Golden State Warriors will face the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center in San Francisco, making this Christmas Day matchup eagerly awaited. The Warriors, spearheaded by Stephen Curry, who averages 21.8 points and 6.6 assists per game, are recognized for their excellent offensive rebounding and three-point shooting skills. However, they have stumbled lately, recording a 3-7 record over their last 10 games and allowing opponents to score an average of 113.0 points per game.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Lakers feature the powerful duo of Anthony Davis, averaging 26.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game, alongside LeBron James, who adds 23.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. Despite their robust performances, the Lakers have had mixed results recently, holding a 5-5 record over their last 10 games and facing the challenge of playing on the road. Considering the Warriors’ recent difficulties and the Lakers’ notable performances, Los Angeles might be slightly advantageous in this fiercely competitive and exciting matchup.
Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets
The Phoenix Suns will take on the Denver Nuggets on December 25, 2024, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Phoenix Suns, led by Devin Booker with an average of 25.1 points per game and Kevin Durant with 27.4 points, will look to leverage their home-court edge. On the other hand, the Nuggets, driven by Nikola Jokic, averaging 30.9 points per game, alongside Michael Porter Jr., who contributes 18.0 points, will seek to take advantage of the Suns’ defensive weaknesses.
Both teams exhibit impressive offensive skills, with the Suns achieving a 47.2% shooting accuracy and the Nuggets topping the NBA with an average of 20.3 fast break points per game. Nevertheless, the Suns have faced difficulties lately, posting a 4-6 record in their last 10 games, whereas the Nuggets performed better with a 6-4 record. Furthermore, the Nuggets’ recent win against the Suns, 117-90, provides them a psychological advantage heading into this matchup. Considering the Nuggets’ strong recent offensive and defensive performance, they have a slight edge to win this game.
