Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 13, 2025. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
One of the tentpole dates of the sports calendar is nearly upon us. The NBA on Christmas Day is a tradition that dates back nearly 80 years, to the league’s second season in 1947, and has been held every year since except for 1998, when a lockout was in place.
This year’s five-game slate features seven of the league’s top 10 scorers, providing a chance for history to be made. The all-time record for most points in a Christmas NBA game is 60, by Bernard King back in 1984. Could the likes of Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Anthony Edwards break that mark? Here’s a look at the schedule.
Cavaliers at Knicks: Noon ET
No team is more of a staple in the Christmas NBA games than the New York Knicks, who played in the first holiday game in 1947 and will be playing in their record-extending 58th Christmas Day game. Meanwhile, the Cavs are making their first appearance on the holiday since LeBron James’ second stint with the team in 2017.
Ross Kelly is a sports journalist who has been published by ESPN, CBS and USA Today. He has also done statistical research for Stats Inc. and Synergy Sports Technology. A graduate of LSU, Ross resides in Houston.
