The Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the New York Knicks in a highly anticipated NBA Christmas Day game on December 25, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This matchup marks a return to holiday festivities for both teams, with the Cavaliers looking to improve their standing and the Knicks aiming for a strong performance on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
Jalen Williams, a key player for the Knicks, expressed his excitement for the game. “As a basketball player, I feel like you grow up watching sports on Christmas. To be a part of it is really cool,” he said. The game is set to begin at noon Eastern Time, kicking off a full slate of NBA action that includes five games throughout the day.
The Christmas schedule features additional matchups, including the San Antonio Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 14:30, the Dallas Mavericks facing the Golden State Warriors at 17:00, the Houston Rockets taking on the Los Angeles Lakers at 20:00, and the Minnesota Timberwolves clashing with the Denver Nuggets at 22:30.
For many players, the Christmas game holds special significance. Victor Wembanyama, who had a standout debut on Christmas last year with a remarkable performance of 42 points and 18 rebounds, is looking forward to his second appearance. “It’s a big day for the NBA and the guys are excited to play on that slate of games,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, highlighting the elevated circumstances surrounding the occasion.
LeBron James, if he plays for the Lakers, will participate in his 20th Christmas game. This milestone surpasses the total number of Christmas games played by 17 current franchises. James shared his mixed feelings about competing on the holiday: “I’d much rather be at home with my family. But it’s a game I love… It’s always been an honor to play it.”
With his extensive experience on Christmas, James has set numerous records, including being the all-time leader in games played, points scored, field goals made, and three-pointers. He currently ranks second in Christmas assists, steals, and free throws, with only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook ahead of him in those categories.
The competitive landscape on Christmas Day showcases a blend of established stars and rising talents. Klay Thompson of the Mavericks enters the day ranked third in Christmas three-pointers made, while Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are close behind. Notably, Durant will play on Christmas for the fifth different team, adding to his unique legacy within the league.
While the Kings and Pacers have not played on December 25 for years, the Lakers continue their impressive streak with 27 consecutive appearances. Golden State also maintains a strong presence, featuring in their 13th straight Christmas game.
As the teams prepare for this festive showdown, the excitement for the day is palpable. With eight of the ten teams playing hailing from the Western Conference, this year’s Christmas schedule reflects a shift in the league’s competitive dynamics.
The Cavaliers and Knicks will set the tone for the day’s festivities, and fans are eager to see how the players will perform under the spotlight. As Williams noted, “we’re like the cool game,” reflecting the collective anticipation surrounding this joyous occasion in the NBA calendar.
