The NBA has prepared a busy schedule for Christmas Day. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch and what to look for.
The NBA’s Christmas Day program lost some of its shine with the injuries of Anthony Davis and Steph Curry. But we still get a game between the two best teams in the East, two title contenders in the West and a host of other rivalries to keep the intensity going.
Here’s what you need to know to prepare.
NBA Schedule for Christmas Day 2022
- New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks
- Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
New York Knicks vs. philadelphia 76ers
- Tip-Off: 12:00 ET
- Stadium : Madison Square Garden
- TV channel : ABC | ESPN
- Advertisers: Ryan Ruocco, JJ Redick, Cassidy Hubbarth
- Live stream: Watch ESPN
As of this writing, the Knicks sit just behind the 76ers in the standings, one game out of fifth in the East. Both teams have been playing better lately, but the Knicks have been incredibly hot, winning eight of their last ten wins and outscoring opponents by an average of 11.4 points per 100 possessions over that span. Both teams can be expected to tackle this encounter with a vengeance, looking for a victory that will allow them to build on their momentum for the next part of the season.
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers
- Tip-Off: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Stadium : American Airlines Arena
- TV channel : ABC | ESPN
- Advertisers: Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Monica McNutt
- Live stream: Watch ESPN
The Lakers had started to turn things around but have lost two of their three games since Anthony Davis was out for “several weeks” with a foot injury. They lost the last two games against the Suns and the Kings by 40 points. But LeBron James is still ready for the Christmas Day encounters and the opportunity to face Luka Doncic should see him up his game. LeBron is 6-2 in his career against Luka Doncic, averaging 27.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.6 assists. The Mavericks are 16-16 years old and are fighting to stay in the playoff hunt in the West.
Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks
- Tip-Off: 5:00 p.m. ET
- Stadium : TD Garden
- TV channel : ABC | ESPN
- Advertisers: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews
- Live stream: Watch ESPN
The rivalry between the Bucks and the Celtics has become very heated, and the seven-game battle in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season fanned the flames. As of this writing, the Bucks have a half-game lead over the Celtics at the top of the Eastern Conference, but this will be the first time they’ve faced each other this season.
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- Tip-Off: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Stadium : Chase Center
- TV channel : ABC | ESPN
- Advertisers: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
- Live stream: Watch ESPN
The Warriors and Grizzlies are a budding rivalry and there’s plenty of heat left over from their playoff streak from last season. However, that match took a hit with the news that Steph Curry would be out with a shoulder injury. The Warriors are going to fight, but this is an opportunity for the Grizzlies to rub salt in the wound and they won’t overlook the Warriors, even if they’re understaffed.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
- Tip-Off: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Stadium : Ball Center
- TV channel : ABC | ESPN
- Advertisers: Beth Mowins, Richard Jefferson, Jorge Sedano
- Live stream: Watch ESPN
This game might just be the best and most important of the day. As of this writing, the Denver Nuggets are No. 1 in the West. The Suns sit in fourth place, but are separated by only two losses in the loss column. The Western Conference has a slew of illegitimate contenders this year, including Denver, Phoenix, Memphis and New Orleans, and this is an opportunity for both teams to make a statement for a playoff series.
Which NBA teams have never played on Christmas Day?
With the Memphis Grizzlies making their Christmas Day debut this season, the Charlotte Hornets are the last active NBA franchise to never play Christmas.
Which NBA teams played the most on Christmas Day?
New York Knicks: 54 total games (23-31 record)
Los Angeles Lakers: 48 total games (24-24 record)
Boston Celtics: 35 total games (15-20 record)
These three teams are some of the most well-known NBA franchises and biggest fanbases, so it only makes sense that they would be well represented on Christmas Day. They’re also three of the oldest franchises in the league, which means they’ve had a lot more opportunities to make appearances on Christmas Day.
When did the Knicks last play on Christmas?
2021-22: Lost Atlanta Hawks, 101-87
The Knicks exacted revenge on the Hawks for a playoff elimination the previous season, absolutely crushing their new rivals. Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 25 points, but Kemba Walker had 10 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the seventh Christmas Day triple-double in league history.
When did the 76ers last play on Christmas?
2019-20: Defeat of the Milwaukee Bucks 121-109
The 76ers are back on the Christmas Day slate after a four-year hiatus. In their last appearance, they stifled the Bucks, limiting Giannis Antetokounmpo to 8 of 27 from the field to secure the victory. Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 31 points and 11 rebounds.
When was the last time the Lakers played at Christmas?
2021-22: Lost to the Brooklyn Nets, 122-115
The Lakers lost last year’s Christmas Day game to the Nets, getting wiped out by an unlikely hero. In the absence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Patty Mills had 34 points and 7 assists, shooting 8 of 13. For the Lakers, LeBron scored 39 points but Russell Westbrook struggled with just 4 of 20 of the field.
When was the last time the Mavericks played at Christmas?
2021-22: Lost to Utah Jazz, 120-116
The Mavericks were without Luka Doncic last Christmas and, despite 27-point-equivalent efforts from Jalen Brunson and Kristaps Porzingis, they couldn’t keep up with the Jazz. Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell scored 80 points for the Jazz.
When was the last time the Bucks played at Christmas?
2021-22: Lost Boston Celtics, 117-113
The Bucks managed to win against the Celtics last Christmas thanks to a dominating effort from Giannis Antetokounmpo. He finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks, with 10 of 15 from the free throw line.
When was the last time the Celtics played at Christmas?
2021-22: Lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, 117-113
As mentioned above, the Celtics lost their final Christmas Day game. They struggled to deal with Giannis and suffered tough shots from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who combined for 50 points but were 15 of 38 (39.4%) from the field and 6 of 17 (35.2% ) beyond the arc.
When was the last time the Grizzlies played at Christmas?
Never ! They’ve never played a game on Christmas Day before! Welcome to the big leagues, Memphis!
When was the last time the Warriors played at Christmas?
2021-22: Victory over the Phoenix Suns, 116-107
The Warriors needed a serious boost from their depth to snatch a victory over the Suns last Christmas. Steph Curry had a rough night, but Golden State got 55 points from Otto Porter Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II and Nemanja Bjelica.
When was the last time the Suns played at Christmas?
2021-22: Lost to the Golden State Warriors, 116-107
As mentioned above, Warriors role players helped beat the Suns last year. Devin Booker had a very tough game, shooting just 5 of 19, and the Suns were down 13 points in the second half.
When was the last time the Nuggets played at Christmas?
2020-21: Lost to Los Angeles Clippers, 121-108
Nikola Jokic shone in his final Christmas Day appearance with 24 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds, but a poor 3-point shot (11 of 36, 30.6%) doomed the Nuggets. Jokic has won two MVP awards since then and could be ready to make the parties his own.
What are the all-time records of the Knicks, 76ers, Mavs, Lakers, Bucks, Celtics, Nuggets, Suns, Warriors, on Christmas Day?
- Knicks: 23-31
- Lakers: 24-24
- 76ers: 18-11
- Celtics: 15-20
- Warriors: 14-17
- Suns: 12-7
- Bucks: 5-3
- Mavericks: 2-3
- Nuggets: 1-6
- Grizzlies: 0-0
Why do the Knicks and Lakers usually play on Christmas Day every year?
The Knicks and Lakers are marquee franchises in major markets, and the NBA often looks to showcase them in their biggest showcase of the year. Fans can complain all they want, but as long as they’re competitive at all, the Lakers and Knicks are likely to be included, especially with a five-game slate that’s a third of the NBA.
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What are the NBA games on Christmas Day 2022? – In question