Christmas Day remains one of the biggest stages in the NBA, and the 2026 NBA Christmas Day schedule delivers a loaded five-game slate packed with star power and high-stakes matchups. All games air nationally on ABC and ESPN, featuring top teams from both conferences in a full-day marathon of holiday basketball.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 NBA Christmas Day games.
Full 2026 NBA Christmas Day Schedule
All times Eastern. All games on ABC and ESPN.
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Network |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 p.m. | San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks | ABC / ESPN |
| 2:30 p.m. | Miami Heat at Boston Celtics | ABC / ESPN |
| 5:00 p.m. | Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers | ABC / ESPN |
| 8:00 p.m. | Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves | ABC / ESPN |
| 10:30 p.m. | Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors | ABC / ESPN |
How to Watch NBA Christmas Day 2026 Games
All five games air nationally on ABC and ESPN.
You can watch through:
- Cable or satellite providers
- The ESPN and ABC apps (with a TV provider login)
- Live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream
Coverage typically includes pregame analysis on NBA Countdown, in-game commentary, and holiday-themed studio shows throughout the day.
Teams Playing on Christmas Day 2026
Eastern Conference
- New York Knicks
- Miami Heat
- Boston Celtics
- Philadelphia 76ers
Western Conference
- San Antonio Spurs
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Denver Nuggets
- Golden State Warriors
Key Storylines on the 2026 NBA Christmas Day Schedule
Finals Rematch Opens the Day The San Antonio Spurs visit the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals. This is the perfect way to tip off the holiday slate.
LeBron James Returns to Los Angeles The Philadelphia 76ers travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers at 5:00 p.m. ET. It marks LeBron James’ first game back in Los Angeles since leaving the Lakers to join the 76ers.
Classic East Rivalry Miami Heat at Boston Celtics continues one of the NBA’s fiercest recent rivalries, now with Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Heat uniform.
Western Conference Firepower Oklahoma City vs. Minnesota and Denver vs. Golden State close out the night with multiple MVPs and star talent on both sides.
Historical Christmas Day Notes
- The New York Knicks have played in more Christmas Day games than any other franchise.
- The Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are tied for the most Christmas Day wins in NBA history.
- LeBron James has made more Christmas Day appearances than any active player and remains one of the most decorated performers on the holiday.
The 2026 NBA Christmas Day schedule delivers a strong mix of Finals rematch energy, homecoming storylines, and elite talent. From noon until late night, basketball fans have a full slate of must-watch games on ABC and ESPN.
