The 2025 holiday season is shaping up to be a sports fan’s dream, with marquee NBA and NFL matchups set to light up the Christmas Day schedule. From LeBron James and the Lakers hosting the Warriors to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder taking on Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs, this year’s Christmas slate is packed with must-see TV.
According to ESPN’s comprehensive preview, the action tips off with the Cavaliers visiting the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, where Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson will go head-to-head as two of the league’s top scorers. The defending champion Thunder will then host Wembanyama and the Spurs in a rematch of last year’s thrilling Emirates NBA Cup semifinals.
Marquee Matchups Galore
The real fireworks come later in the day, though, as the Warriors travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers. This will be Cooper Flagg’s Christmas debut, making him the youngest player to feature on the holiday since LeBron James back in 2003. And with Klay Thompson only making one trip to the Bay Area this season, it’s a can’t-miss clash between the league’s most storied franchises.
The action continues with a star-studded showdown between Kevin Durant’s Rockets and LeBron’s Lakers, the first meeting between the two future Hall of Famers since 2018. Luka Doncic will also make his Christmas debut as the Mavericks take on the Warriors.
Playoff Rematches and Rising Stars
The slate concludes with an intriguing clash between the Timberwolves and Nuggets, who have split postseason series in each of the last two years. Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić will look to deliver a Christmas Day classic, while rookie sensation Amen Thompson makes his holiday debut for the Rockets.
What this really means is that the NBA and NFL have pulled out all the stops to deliver a Christmas Day extravaganza that will have sports fans glued to their screens. With so many star-studded matchups, renewed rivalries, and rising young talents on display, the 2025 holiday sports slate is shaping up to be an absolute must-watch.