The NBA has a set of exciting games lined up on Christmas Day. Fans have been eagerly waiting to witness some of the best teams play against each other on one of the most beloved holidays of the year. Christmas Day Games were first introduced in 1947, years before the league wound up into what it is today. Since then, the NBA has delivered a couple of wonderful matchups for the fans to indulge in during Christmas Day.
Every Christmas Day matchup has a unique lineup. The league handpicks teams to play against each other based on their history or the rivalries that exist between them. Over the years, we have seen players such as Michael Jordan take on his rivals on Christmas Day. Jordan ended up becoming a staple feature on the Christmas Day Games lineup.
Most recently, during the NBA’s 2016-17 season, the Golden State Warriors played against the defending champions at the time, the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James and his squad were coming off an intense playoff battle against the Warriors during the 2016 NBA Finals. The Cavaliers upset the Warriors with a 1-3 series comeback.
Such moments will forever live rent-free in the hearts of loyal NBA fans. And this year, things aren’t any different. The NBA has created an incredible lineup of games for the day. Fans will get to enjoy watching some of the best athletes in the league perform on Christmas Day. What a time to jump into your holiday pyjamas, and sit amongst your loved ones to witness history.
The NBA will have a day off before the Christmas Day Games
There are a few games that fans have been eager to witness, such as the Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks. This game is scheduled to commence at 12:30 PM (ET) and is the first matchup of the day. This would’ve been a matchup had the Bucks not been eliminated during the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. This is followed by a battle between the last two NBA Champions, the Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors.
The third game on Christmas Day will be between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. Both teams have a long history of intense playoff battles and team rivalries. The Lakers and Celtics are also tied for the most number of titles won by a single team in the NBA. This is an ideal matchup and one for the history books. Later, the Miami Heat will play against the Philadelphia 76ers.
This is another matchup that fans would be excited to witness. Both teams have been some of the toughest competitors in the Eastern Conference. Both have been solid title contenders in the East, while the Heat have only tasted the finals.
Finally, Devin Booker will face his biggest rival in the league, Luka Doncic, in an epic matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. However, there are no games on December 24, 2023, as the league will have an off day. All games will take place on December 25, 2023, and streamed on various local networks and NBA.com.