A Western Conference Finals rematch between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks will headline the NBA’s five-game Christmas Day schedule, according to sources from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The other reported matchups for December 25 include:
| HOME TEAM | VISITING TEAM |
| New York Knicks | San Antonio Spurs |
| Boston Celtics | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Golden State Warriors | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Phoenix Suns | Denver Nuggets |
Minnesota secured three victories out of four meetings against Dallas during the regular season. However, Luka Doncic’s Mavericks triumphed over Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves in five games during the conference finals, leading the Mavs to their first NBA championship series appearance since their victory in 2011.
In another matchup, Victor Wembanyama aims to enhance his Rookie of the Year campaign, supported by an improved Spurs roster that includes Chris Paul, who joined in the offseason. San Antonio will face a New York team that recently completed its best season in 24 years, falling just one win short of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Boston Celtics have consistently been a challenge for the Philadelphia 76ers, having eliminated them from the playoffs three times in the last seven years, including a seven-game series in 2022-23.
Stephen Curry and LeBron James have a storied rivalry, highlighted by their matchups in four consecutive Finals from 2014 to 2018. The two stars met again when James’ Lakers defeated Curry and the Warriors in a memorable play-in game three years ago.
Finally, the Denver Nuggets overcame the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2023 playoffs on their path to securing the franchise’s first and only championship.
