Basketball fans in India are in for a festive treat as the NBA has unveiled its marquee Christmas Day lineup for 2025. The league will deliver a spectacular marathon of five high-stakes games, packed with superstar talent, historic rivalries, and championship-level intensity. The action spans over 13 hours, offering non-stop entertainment on December 25, a Thursday this year.
NBA Christmas Day 2025: Full Game Schedule and Star Matchups
The day tips off with an Eastern Conference clash and concludes with a Western Conference thriller. All start times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). For viewers in India, this means late-night and early-morning action on December 25th and 26th.
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks (12:00 PM ET): The basketball celebration begins at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Two Eastern Conference powerhouses, featuring stars like Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson, will set the tone for the day.
San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (2:30 PM ET): This matchup promises high drama as the reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, host a revenge game. The San Antonio Spurs recently stunned the champs, adding extra fuel to this holiday showdown.
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors (5:00 PM ET): A must-watch for fans of next-generation talent. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg will make his highly anticipated Christmas Day debut, going head-to-head against the legendary Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers (8:00 PM ET): Prepare for a star-loaded spectacle. Kevin Durant makes a marquee return to face the duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic in what could be the day's most glamorous contest.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets (10:30 PM ET): The night caps off with a Western Conference thriller. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will battle Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in a potential playoff preview.
How to Watch NBA Christmas Games in India
For fans in India, catching all the live action is straightforward. The NBA has ensured broad accessibility for its holiday showcase.
TV and Streaming Coverage: Every Christmas Day game will have a national broadcast on both ABC and ESPN. A special animated alternative broadcast called "Dunk the Halls," featuring Disney characters, will air on ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+ for the opening game.
Live Streaming Options (No Cable Needed): Indian viewers can stream all the games live through various platforms that carry ABC and ESPN. Popular options include:
- Fubo (which often offers a free trial)
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- DirecTV Stream
- Sling TV (with packages that include ABC/ESPN)
A key benefit for fans is that no local blackouts will apply on Christmas Day, allowing everyone across the country to access the games easily. However, subscribers to NBA League Pass should note that these nationally televised games may have viewing restrictions on the platform.
Why Christmas Day is a Pivotal NBA Tradition
The NBA's Christmas Day games are a tradition dating all the way back to 1947. It is more than just holiday entertainment; it's a strategic showcase of the league's biggest stars and most compelling narratives. For devoted fans, this day often marks the point where the season intensifies.
After months of roster adjustments and tactical refinements following events like the recent NBA Cup, Christmas Day serves as a critical checkpoint. It reveals which teams have solidified themselves as legitimate title contenders. In 2025, with a slate featuring defending champions, rising contenders like the Spurs, and must-see player debuts, the holiday games will provide a clear snapshot of the NBA's competitive landscape.
