Five historic Christmas Day NBA games will feature star players and intense rivalries.
The NBA has hosted games on Christmas Day since 1947. The Yuletide games often feature the best teams and players, and 2023 will be no exception. Five games will air on Monday on ESPN and ABC.
The tradition of Christmas Day basketball games typically features playoff rematches and contests between MVP players. Fans can watch several significant matchups from 2023, including five previous MVP players and a classic game between two of the NBA’s most storied rivals.
Game times and key storylines:
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
11 a.m. CT – ESPN
The New York Knicks have played more Christmas Day games than any other team and are keeping the record rolling with their 56th appearance. The match between the Bucks and Knicks was a hotly-anticipated contest heading into the semi-finals, but the Bucks failed to advance. Fans will get to see these legendary teams in the day’s first game.
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets
1:30 p.m. CT – ABC and ESPN simulcast
This game is an instant classic, with the last two NBA champions facing off. The Warriors have been one of the league’s most dominant teams in recent years, but they face a Denver team that took home the NBA Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in 2022. Last year’s MVP, Nikola Jozic, who earned his second award in as many seasons, and the Warriors Stephen Curry, also a two-time MVP, make this a must-watch meeting.
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
4 p.m. ET – ABC and ESPN simulcast
Meeting for the 290th time, the ultimate NBA rivalry continues on Christmas Day. The Lakers, headlined by four-time MVP LeBron James and Anthony Davis, look to erase a pair of four-point overtime losses from last season. The Celtics, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, look to add to their team’s 165-133 series lead.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat
7 p.m. CT – ESPN
Former 76ers star Jimmy Butler gets another shot at his former team alongside this season’s current MVP, Joel Embiid. The Heat took the Eastern Conference Championship this season and are looking to build on a bright future set for 2024 with a victory over the 76ers. This game will feature some of the league’s most athletic players and could be one of the few Christmas Day games to end in a blowout.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns
9:30 CT – ESPN
Another most-wanted playoff game that did not happen, the Mavs and Suns will get a chance to flex in the late game. There will be plenty to stay up for in this match that sees former MVP Kevin Durant and the Suns looking to make a statement against the recently-sold Mavs. The last matchup between these franchises resulted in a score-fest, with two players from each team scoring 30 or more points.
