<p>The NBA has locked in five marquee matchups for Christmas Day 2025, tipping off at 3:00 AM AEST on Boxing Day morning in Australia.</p> <p>The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James in his 20th Christmas game, and Victor Wembanyama's breakout showcase headline the day's festivities, all available on ESPN via Kayo Sports, Foxtel, and Sportsbet.</p> <p>If you are new to our website and you don’t know how to use your account to follow the action right as it happens, check out our guide on <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/how-to-stream-the-nba">how to watch the NBA in Australia</a>.</p> <h2>What You Need to Know About Christmas 2025</h2> <p>Christmas Day represents the NBA's biggest regular-season showcase, and 2025 delivers on that promise.</p> <p>The league's scheduled five games featuring a mix of championship contenders, rising superstars, and compelling storylines that'll keep you watching from early Boxing Day morning through the afternoon.</p> <p>This guide breaks down the complete schedule in AEST, explains why Christmas matters so much to the NBA, and highlights the key storylines worth tracking when you're up early on Boxing Day (or watching replays later with the family).</p> <h2>The Complete 2025 NBA Christmas Day Schedule</h2> <h3>Game 1: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks</h3> <p><strong>Time</strong>: 3:00 AM AEST (Boxing Day) | <strong>Watch</strong>: ESPN (Kayo/Foxtel/Sportsbet)</p> <p>The Knicks host their 58th Christmas game at Madison Square Garden, maintaining their traditional noon slot. Cleveland returns to Christmas basketball for the first time since 2017, bringing Donovan Mitchell back to New York for what shapes up as a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview.</p> <p>Both teams kept their cores intact during the offseason. The Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, while the Knicks made the Conference Finals before Indiana eliminated them. Jalen Brunson leads New York's charge, and this Eastern Conference heavyweight clash sets the tone for the entire day.</p> <h3>Game 2: San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder</h3> <p><strong>Time</strong>: 5:30 AM AEST (Boxing Day) | <strong>Watch</strong>: ESPN (Kayo/Foxtel/Sportsbet)</p> <p>The reigning NBA champions host the Spurs in what doubles as a showcase for the league's next generation. Victor Wembanyama brings his freakish skillset to Oklahoma City, where he'll face the Thunder's balanced attack led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.</p> <p>San Antonio's offseason additions include De'Aaron Fox at point guard and rookies Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, giving Wembanyama legitimate help. Look for the Thunder to test whether the Spurs' supporting cast can keep pace with a title-caliber roster.</p> <h3>Game 3: Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors</h3> <p><strong>Time</strong>: 8:00 AM AEST (Boxing Day) | <strong>Watch</strong>: ESPN (Kayo/Foxtel/Sportsbet)</p> <p>Klay Thompson returns to San Francisco for what promises to be an emotional homecoming. Thompson spent his entire career in Golden State before departing, winning four championships alongside Stephen Curry. Now he suits up for Dallas in a matchup that blends nostalgia with genuine playoff implications.</p> <p>Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, makes his Christmas debut for the Mavericks. Curry plays in his 13th Christmas game (like NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal), and the Warriors added Jimmy Butler during the offseason to pair with Curry and Draymond Green. This one's personal.</p> <h3>Game 4: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers</h3> <p><strong>Time</strong>: 11:00 AM AEST (Boxing Day) | <strong>Watch</strong>: ESPN (Kayo/Foxtel/Sportsbet)</p> <p>Kevin Durant's blockbuster trade to Houston sets up this primetime showdown. The Rockets rebuilt around Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Fred VanVleet, transforming into legitimate Western Conference contenders overnight.</p> <p>LeBron James plays in his 20th Christmas game, extending his own league record. The Lakers feature Luka Dončić in what many see as a transitional season, potentially James's final Christmas appearance before full retirement. Durant has the 13th highest usage percentage in NBA history, and watching him orchestrate Houston's offense against LA's veteran squad provides must-see television.</p> <h3>Game 5: Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets</h3> <p><strong>Time</strong>: 1:30 PM AEST (Boxing Day) | <strong>Watch</strong>: ESPN (Kayo/Foxtel/Sportsbet)</p> <p>The afternoon finale features Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić, two players who defined the 2024-25 season. Edwards posted 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in his Christmas debut last year. Minnesota reached the Western Conference Finals before falling short, and they've returned with championship aspirations.</p> <p>Jokić continues his historic run as a three-time MVP who makes the game look effortless. The Nuggets remain contenders, and this matchup between two Western Conference powers closes out a Boxing Day packed with elite basketball.</p> <h2>Why Christmas Day Matters to the NBA</h2> <p>The NBA owns Christmas Day. While the NFL dominates Thanksgiving, December 25th belongs entirely to basketball, and the league treats it accordingly.</p> <p>Christmas games date back decades, with select marquee franchises earning spots almost annually. The Lakers and Knicks rarely miss the day's slate, thanks to their massive markets and global appeal. Boston typically features, though Jayson Tatum's injury knocked the Celtics off the 2025 schedule.</p> <p>The league schedules Christmas games to showcase its biggest stars and most compelling storylines. LeBron James holds the record with 20 Christmas appearances. Michael Jordan played six times. Kobe Bryant played 16. Getting selected for Christmas represents validation that you've reached the sport's highest level.</p> <h2>What Makes 2025's Schedule Special</h2> <p>Three teams return to Christmas for the first time in years. The Thunder missed 2024 despite winning the championship, which ranked as one of the league's biggest scheduling mistakes. They're back now, and rightfully featured given their title.</p> <p>Cleveland hasn't played on Christmas since 2018. The Rockets last appeared in 2019. Their returns reflect the NBA's shifting power dynamics and commitment to featuring emerging contenders alongside established dynasties.</p> <p>Look at the rookie talent on display. Cooper Flagg (Dallas) and Dylan Harper (San Antonio) represent the draft's top picks, giving fans early glimpses at potential franchise cornerstones. Stephon Castle, last year's Rookie of the Year, plays for San Antonio alongside Harper, creating a loaded backcourt situation that'll define their development.</p> <p>The Kevin Durant storyline dominates the Rockets-Lakers matchup. Durant joining Houston via trade represents one of 2025's biggest moves, and Christmas provides the first major test against LeBron and the Lakers. Durant's still producing at an elite level, and pairing him with Houston's young core creates fascinating tactical matchups.</p> <p>Klay Thompson's return to Golden State generates the day's most emotional subplot. Thompson won four titles with the Warriors, forming one-third of their championship core alongside Curry and Green. Now he's back in San Francisco wearing Dallas blue, trying to beat his former teammates on basketball's biggest regular-season stage.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>When do the NBA Christmas Day games start in Australia?</h3> <p>The first game tips off at 3:00 AM AEST on Boxing Day morning (December 26, 2025), with Cleveland visiting the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.</p> <h3>Where can I watch NBA Christmas games in Australia?</h3> <p>All five games air on ESPN, available through Kayo Sports, Foxtel, and Sportsbet. You can also stream via NBA League Pass if you prefer the direct league option.</p> <h3>Why do the same teams play on Christmas every year?</h3> <p>Market size, franchise history, and star power determine Christmas matchups. The Lakers, Knicks, and Warriors typically appear due to their massive fanbases and consistent success, while the specific opponents rotate based on playoff performance and storylines.</p> <h3>How many times has LeBron James played on Christmas?</h3> <p>2025 marks LeBron's 20th Christmas game, extending his own league record and cementing his status as the holiday's signature player across multiple generations.</p> <h3>Who are the rookies playing on Christmas Day 2025?</h3> <p>Cooper Flagg (Dallas) and Dylan Harper (San Antonio) represent the draft's top two picks. Both play significant minutes for playoff-caliber teams, making their Christmas debuts particularly meaningful for evaluating their development.</p> <h3>Which team has played the most Christmas games?</h3> <p>The New York Knicks lead all franchises with 58 Christmas appearances. The Lakers rank second, while the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Chicago Bulls round out the traditional Christmas regulars.</p> <h3>Can I watch NBA Christmas games if I don't have Foxtel?</h3> <p>Yes. Kayo Sports offers a standalone streaming subscription starting at $25/month, and Sportsbet provides viewing options for registered users. NBA League Pass is another alternative that works independently of traditional pay TV.</p> <h3>What happened to the Boston Celtics on Christmas 2025?</h3> <p>Jayson Tatum's injury knocked Boston off the Christmas schedule despite their status as perennial contenders. The league replaced them with the Cavaliers, giving Cleveland their first Christmas game since 2018.</p>