The 2026 NBA Christmas Day schedule is the league’s marquee regular-season showcase, and the official five-game slate is expected to be revealed in mid-August 2026, just ahead of the full 2026-27 schedule release. Below are the projected matchups, the traditional Christmas Day tip-time windows, how to watch on ABC and ESPN, and a free printable slate you can fill in the moment the games are announced.
- When: Friday, December 25, 2026.
- Games: Five, in the traditional noon-to-night windows (ET).
- How to watch: ABC and ESPN.
- Official reveal: Christmas matchups are expected mid-August 2026 with the schedule release. A printable slate is below.
2026 NBA Christmas Day Slate (Projected)
The NBA has not yet announced the official Christmas Day matchups. The table below shows the projected five-game slate based on early reporting, set in the traditional tip-time windows. We’ll update it with the confirmed games and exact tip times the moment the league releases the schedule (expected mid-August 2026).
| Game | Time (ET) | Projected Matchup | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12:00 PM | Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks | ABC / ESPN |
| 2 | 2:30 PM | Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat | ABC / ESPN |
| 3 | 5:00 PM | Philadelphia 76ers @ Cleveland Cavaliers | ABC / ESPN |
| 4 | 8:00 PM | San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder | ABC / ESPN |
| 5 | 10:30 PM | Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers | ABC / ESPN |
Projected matchups via CBS Sports predictions and are not yet official. Windows reflect the traditional Christmas slate and are subject to change.
When Is the Official NBA Christmas Schedule Released?
The NBA typically unveils its marquee Christmas Day games a few days before the full schedule drops, usually in the second or third week of August. For 2026-27, expect the Christmas reveal in mid-August. For the full calendar and printable PDFs, see our 2026-27 NBA schedule release guide and the 2026-27 NBA schedule hub.
How to Watch NBA Christmas Games
All five Christmas Day games air on ABC and ESPN, with streaming available through the ESPN app and Disney+ for subscribers with access to those networks. The full national-TV breakdown (ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock and Prime Video) posts with the schedule release.
Why Christmas Day Matters in the NBA
Christmas has been the NBA’s signature regular-season stage since 1947, and the modern five-game slate is built around the league’s biggest stars, rivalries and title contenders. It is the day casual fans tune back in, which is why the matchups are chosen carefully and revealed with fanfare ahead of the full schedule.
Related: 2026-27 NBA Schedule (Printable, PDF, TV).
