NBA Christmas Day preview
From Thunder–Spurs to Wolves–Nuggets and Knicks–Cavs, which NBA Christmas Day matchup are you most looking forward to?
The NBA kicks off its slate of five Christmas Day games with an Eastern Conference clash at Madison Square Garden between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.
Cleveland (17-14), which had the best record in the conference last season, is sitting in seventh place, while the Knicks (20-9) have the East’s second-best record behind the Detroit Pistons. In their first meeting this season, New York beat Cleveland 119-111, behind OG Anunoby’s 24 points and 14 rebounds, leading five Knicks players in double figures.
The Cavaliers will be without guard Max Strus (foot). Reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, however, was expected to be out with a Grade 1 left calf strain, but he will now play Thursday against the Knicks.
The Knicks, who are third in the league in offensive efficiency, have played 57 games on Christmas Day and compiled a 25-32 record on the holiday.
Cleveland last played on Christmas Day in 2017 against the Golden State Warriors, when LeBron James was in his second stint with the Cavaliers, and Kevin Durant suited up for the Warriors. The Cavaliers are 7-7 all-time for games played on Christmas Day.
Here’s how to watch the NBA’s Christmas day game between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers:
Christmas started a little late for the Knicks.
New York opened the game just 1-of-10 and missed its first six 3-point shots, falling into an early 18-3 hole. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, started hot, making five of their first seven attempts.
The Knicks would get back into it somewhat, but it was Cleveland’s defense that set the tone. The Cavaliers did an excellent job of stopping New York’s first few offensive actions and forcing the Knicks to play deep into the shot clock. That resulted in rushed shots and disjointed offense, overall.
The Cavaliers shot a blazing 13-of-19 (68.4%) from the floor in the period, including 6-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Just two minutes into the game, Karl-Anthony Towns drew a pair of fouls that forced coach Mike Brown to pull him after just 2:44. This has been an issue throughout Towns’ career, but particularly this season.
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell led all players in the first quarter with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Darius Garland added 9 points, while Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting.
Before a single point was scored Thursday, the game was briefly halted because of a mistimed confetti drop. Just one minute into the game, some very festive red confetti fell to the floor, causing support staff at Madison Square Garden to clean it up.
The stoppage was brief and play resumed, but, either way, action is underway at the Garden.
It wasn’t a great start for the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns drew a pair of early fouls and coach Mike Brown called a timeout after he was displeased with his team’s performance, falling into an early 5-0 hole.
What time is Cavaliers vs Knicks Christmas game today?
Tip-off is scheduled for noon ET on Dec. 25 for the Cleveland Cavaliers clash with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo
How to watch Cavaliers vs Knicks NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming
The game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.
Date: Dec. 25, 2025Time: Noon ETLocation: Madison Square Garden (New York)TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2Streaming: Disney+, Fubo
The Knicks and Cavaliers have released their starting lineups ahead of their Christmas Day game:
Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius GarlandDonovan MitchellSam MerrillDean WadeJarrett Allen
New York Knicks
Jalen BrunsonOG AnunobyMikal BridgesJosh HartKarl-Anthony Towns
After missing five games with a Grade 1 left calf strain, Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley will make his return to the floor against the Knicks.
Cleveland officially listed Mobley, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, as available on the injury report prior to the game. Mobley will come off the bench.
No team has played more Christmas Day games in NBA history than the New York Knicks, who, interestingly, are well below .500 on Dec. 25, with a record of 25-32.
Cleveland’s mark on Christmas, meanwhile, is an even 7-7.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks odds
The New York Knicks are favored to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers according to the DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.
Line:Â Knicks -5.5Over/under:Â 239.5