NBA Christmas Day: Bright Stars, Key Matchups And What To Watch

From Madison Square Garden to Phoenix, let’s take a look at this year’s NBA Christmas slate:

San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks (Noon ET, ESPN)

The Rise of Wemby: Victor Wembanyama is the headliner in this game. After some monster performances, the 7’4″ phenom is on a tear, averaging 29 points and 5.2 blocks over his last five games. His Christmas debut at Madison Square Garden is sure to be a spectacle.

But can Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks, bolstered by new additions like KAT and Mikal Bridges, slow him down? Wemby has been an absolute force, but the Knicks have the defensive chops to make things tricky, especially with OG Anunoby likely getting the assignment.

A potential Wembanyama vs. Towns battle could turn into a defining moment for both players.

Knicks’ Postseason Push: With Mitchell Robinson set to return and a deep roster, the Knicks are looking to make noise in the East. Will the addition of KAT and his frontcourt pairing with Julius Randle be enough to challenge the league’s elites?

If the Knicks want to go deep, Robinson’s rim protection and the defense around Towns will be critical.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC)

Wolves’ Defensive Surge: Minnesota has been elite defensively, but if they’re going to avoid another play-in appearance, they need to find consistent scoring.

Anthony Edwards is the real deal and should lead the charge, but can he carry the offense and make it work with new additions like Towns? The Wolves need more offensive firepower from the likes of Donte DiVincenzo, whose shooting slump has to end soon for Minnesota to stay competitive.

Mavs’ Momentum: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are finding their rhythm together, and the Mavericks are looking like a genuine contender in the West. The Mavs’ success hinges on staying healthy, especially with Doncic already proving he’s capable of carrying the team to victories, even without his star running mate.

The question is: can the Mavs keep up their strong form in the second half of the season? The Wolves will need to show they can lock down Luka and Kyrie if they want to spoil Dallas’s Christmas cheer.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics, 5 p.m. ET (ABC)

76ers’ Health Woes: The 76ers have faced an uphill battle all season long, starting with a disastrous opening stretch that has left them near the bottom of the standings. But with Joel Embiid back (at least more often, we think), Philly has steadied itself and is hoping to find a way into the playoff picture.

The key for the Sixers is getting and staying healthy—particularly with Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, who have barely shared the court this season. When all three are on the floor together, they’ve looked dangerous, outscoring opponents by 13 points per 100 possessions. But can they keep that core intact long enough to make a serious push?

The Stakes: For Philadelphia, this is about staying alive in the playoff race and proving they’re not ready to throw in the towel just yet. For Boston, it’s about maintaining their dominant form and pushing toward an NBA title defense.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (8 p.m. ET, ABC)

LeBron’s Holiday Magic: In the crowded Western Conference, LeBron James is once again proving that he’s still got it. Despite some early-season struggles, King James has been on fire lately, powering the Lakers to a three-game win streak.

With Anthony Davis returning to MVP form, the Lakers are hoping this duo can stay healthy and lead them through the chaotic West. Can LeBron maintain this level of play, or will the grind of a long season catch up to him?

Curry’s Showdown: On the other side, Stephen Curry is always a Christmas Day treat. The Warriors have had their ups and downs, but with Curry leading the charge, they’re never out of a game.

The Lakers’ defense might be porous (currently ranked 20th), making this a perfect opportunity for Curry to light it up. LeBron vs. Curry: who will outshine the other on this big stage?

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Jokic’s MVP Campaign: Nikola Jokic is still playing like the reigning MVP, putting up ridiculous numbers night in and night out. However, the Nuggets need another shot-creator and a perimeter defender to truly contend in the West.

Jamal Murray’s scoring has been improving, and Michael Porter Jr. has been solid, but there’s room for improvement. Will they find another piece before the trade deadline?

Suns’ Injuries Holding Them Back: The Suns have been plagued by injuries to stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, and it’s taken a toll. Phoenix’s offense has been strong, but with their stars unable to stay on the court together, can they make a legitimate NBA playoff push? This game will be a real test—can they find a way to neutralize Jokic and stay afloat in the tight West?