NBA Christmas Day 2026: Finals Rematch Headline Five-Game Slate as Rosters Shift
The Knicks face the Spurs in a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals, while major roster changes across the league have altered the competitive landscape for the December 25 fixtures.
The National Basketball Association released its 2026 Christmas Day schedule on Tuesday, confirming a five-game slate that features a high-profile rematch of the recent NBA Finals. Early betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, published on 11 August 2026, highlight the competitive balance and uncertainty surrounding several matchups following major offseason roster adjustments.
The headline contest sees the New York Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks, who secured their first championship since 1973 by defeating San Antonio in five games in June, will play their 59th Christmas Day game, an NBA record dating back to the league’s first holiday broadcast in 1947. The Spurs held double-digit leads in four of the Knicks' series wins during the Finals, with three of those victories occurring on San Antonio’s home floor, setting the stage for a potential shift in momentum.
Significant personnel changes have reshaped the remaining fixtures on the holiday schedule. The Miami Heat will face the Boston Celtics, a matchup altered by major trades. Boston acquired Paul George by trading franchise pillar Jaylen Brown, while Miami secured Giannis Antetokounmpo. Early odds favour the Celtics by 5.5 points, though questions remain regarding how these revised rosters will perform in high-stakes environments.
In the Western Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James, who spent the previous eight seasons with the Lakers, joined the 76ers in free agency. The Lakers have since resigned Austin Reaves and traded for Walker Kessler. The Spurs-Knicks rematch is priced at 1.5 points for New York, while the Lakers are slight favourites over Philadelphia by 1.5 points.
Other key matchups include the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Minnesota Wolves and the Denver Nuggets visiting the Golden State Warriors. OKC traded long-time starter Lu Dort, while Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball to play alongside Anthony Edwards. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic who has yet to sign an extension, are 2.5-point favourites over a Warriors side that has missed the playoffs twice in the last four years.
