The NBA schedule will be released this week, but we already have learned the marquee matchup for Opening Night and Christmas Day.
ESPN’s Shams Charnia reported Tuesday morning which teams will participate in the biggest days for the NBA ahead of the full schedule release.
These Christmas Day matchups will be on ABC and ESPN. Let’s rank the matchups from worst to best.
5. Denver Nuggets @ Golden State Warriors
The Nuggets are clearly the better team here. Nikola Jokic vs. Stephen Curry is a must-see Christmas Day basketball game.
But let’s be honest.
Neither of these teams are likely to contend for the Western Conference Championship next year, and there are plenty of other exciting players and teams on this slate.
4. Philadelphia 76ers @ Los Angeles Lakers
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Similarly, everyone knows that the Sixers are the much better team here.
The NBA had to schedule LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles on Christmas Day. But the Sixers are a legitimate championship contender while the Lakers aren’t expected to be real contenders in a loaded Western Conference while they reload around Luka Doncic.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder @ Minnesota Timberwolves
There’s no reason to doubt that the Thunder will return to their status as one of the top teams in the league next season. But this new-look point guard battle between MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and newly acquired Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball should be a very exciting matchup.
Pairing Ball with Anthony Edwards will make the Timberwolves an entertaining watch this season and they could be a team to threaten the Thunder or San Antonio Spurs come playoff time.
2. Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics
Nov 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring his 21,000th career point in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Two teams that had two massive offseasons looking to contend for the Eastern Conference Championship on Christmas Day? Huge matchup.
The Heat traded for Giannis Antentokunompo this offseason, finally ending the awkwardness with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics traded away Jaylen Brown to the Sixers, but acquired Paul George in the deal.
There’s a lot of stars on new teams in this matchup.
1. San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks
Sign us up for a rematch of the 2025-26 NBA Finals.
The Knicks handed the Spurs in five games, capping off one of the most thrilling postseason runs ever.
It was a fun NBA Finals, as youngster Victor Wembanyama learned how to navigate championship-level expectations while Jalen Brunson cemented his place in New York sports history.
This will be a great game to reflect on a great NBA Finals, and see how each team is progressing through the 2026 season.
