Cavaliers and Knicks Clash in Exciting NBA Christmas Showdown

The Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the New York Knicks in a highly anticipated NBA Christmas Day game on December 25, 2025. This matchup will unfold at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, starting at noon Eastern Time.

Christmas Day games have become a tradition in the NBA, and this year’s slate features an exciting lineup, with the Cavaliers and Knicks kicking off the festivities. Following their game, the schedule includes several other matchups, such as the San Antonio Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 2:30 p.m., the Dallas Mavericks facing the Golden State Warriors at 5:00 p.m., the Houston Rockets taking on the Los Angeles Lakers at 8:00 p.m., and the Minnesota Timberwolves visiting the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m.

For players like Jalen Williams, participating in a Christmas game is significant. “As a basketball player, I feel like you grow up watching sports on Christmas,” Williams said. Reflecting on his excitement, he added, “What time do we play? 1:30? Yeah, we’re like the cool game.” Williams, who felt overlooked by last year’s scheduling, is eager to showcase his skills during this festive occasion.

The Christmas matchup offers a unique opportunity for several players. For many, such as Victor Wembanyama, this will be their second Christmas game. Wembanyama had an impressive debut last year, scoring 42 points and grabbing 18 rebounds against the Knicks. “It’s a big day for the NBA and the guys are excited,” said Mark Daigneault, head coach of the Thunder. He acknowledged the elevated circumstances surrounding these games and the experiences they provide for players.

For LeBron James, this Christmas game will mark his 20th appearance on the holiday. He has set numerous records over the years, including being the all-time leader in Christmas games played and points scored. James expressed mixed feelings about playing on Christmas, stating, “I’d much rather be at home with my family… but it’s a game I love.” He acknowledged the significance of playing on Christmas, a tradition he cherished as a child.

The stakes are high for players looking to leave a mark during this holiday. Klay Thompson, who has made 27 three-pointers on Christmas Day, is one of several players poised to impact the game significantly. His teammate, Stephen Curry, also remains a key player to watch, entering the day with a history of strong performances on this festive occasion.

Interestingly, the Christmas Day schedule this year is dominated by Western Conference teams, with eight of the ten participating teams hailing from that side of the league. This marks the most from one conference since 1978. In contrast, teams like the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers have not played on Christmas in several years, with Sacramento last appearing in 2003 and Indiana in 2004.

As the Cavaliers and Knicks prepare to take the court, the excitement surrounding this matchup is palpable. Fans eagerly anticipate the action, knowing that Christmas Day holds a special place in the NBA calendar. With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, this game promises to deliver thrilling moments and memorable performances, making it a highlight of the holiday season.