The NBA’s annual Christmas Day tradition continues into its 77th year with a slate of marquee matchups, featuring Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards making their holiday game debuts. Both rising stars are set to headline games that blend history, rivalry, and celebration.
Wembanyama Brings Spurs Back to Christmas Spotlight
French sensation Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, will lead the San Antonio Spurs into Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. The Knicks, with a league-leading 56 Christmas appearances, have been a holiday staple since the NBA’s first Christmas game in 1947.
Wembanyama, who stands at a towering 7-foot-3 (2.21m), is averaging an impressive 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 4.0 blocks per game this season. The Spurs, back in the Christmas lineup for the first time in eight years, are eager for the spotlight.
“Spending Christmas in New York is something special,” said Wembanyama. “I’ll approach it like any other game, but I’m sure it’ll have that extra holiday magic.”
Edwards Leads Timberwolves in Western Showdown
Anthony Edwards, fresh off his Olympic gold medal win, will lead the Minnesota Timberwolves in a road clash against the Dallas Mavericks. Edwards, nicknamed “Ant-Man,” is averaging 25.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals this season. The game marks a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals and promises to be a highlight of the day.
Christmas Day Schedule and Key Matchups
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Key Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Knicks vs. Spurs | Wembanyama’s Christmas debut |
| 2:30 PM | Celtics vs. 76ers | East rivalry with Celtics dominating |
| 5:00 PM | Mavericks vs. Timberwolves | Edwards vs. Doncic in Western showdown |
| 8:00 PM | Warriors vs. Lakers | LeBron James extends holiday record |
| 10:30 PM | Suns vs. Nuggets | Jokic leads Denver against Booker’s Suns |
Legends and Records
LeBron James will make his record 19th Christmas Day appearance as the Lakers face Golden State. James, who turns 40 next week, is the all-time leader in Christmas Day points (476) and shares the record for most wins (10) with former teammate Dwyane Wade.
The Lakers and Knicks also share the record for most team victories on Christmas, each with 24. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Bernard King’s iconic 60-point Christmas performance, the highest total ever on the holiday. Luka Doncic, who scored 50 on Christmas last year, will aim to replicate his brilliance for Dallas.
Playoff Race Heating Up
Several Christmas Day teams are tightly packed in the standings. In the Western Conference:
- Dallas Mavericks: 4th (19-10)
- Denver Nuggets: 5th (16-11)
- Lakers: 7th (16-13), tied with Golden State (15-13)
- San Antonio Spurs: 9th (15-14)
In the East, the Celtics (22-7) sit second, while the Knicks (19-10) trail closely behind. The struggling 76ers (10-17) will look to spoil Boston’s festive cheer.
This year’s lineup promises high stakes, star power, and holiday excitement as the NBA continues its cherished Christmas tradition.
