We're a lucky bunch Down Under. Thanks to the NBA's slate of games on America's Christmas Day, Boxing Day in Australia is like a second Christmas for Australia's basketball fans.
Despite it being the day after Christmas for Australians, the NBA has a five-pack of presents with some of the game's biggest superstars in action.
AllSportsPeople has all the information you need, including the schedule, start times, and how to watch.
NBA Christmas Day Schedule
- Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks
- San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder
- Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors
- Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers
- Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets
The day starts off with a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, as the Cleveland Cavaliers head to Madison Square Garden to take on the newly crowned NBA Cup champions, the New York Knicks. The Cavs have been relatively disappointing up until this point of the season, having just a record of 16-14, but have a chance to take down one of the favourites out East here. The New York Knicks meanwhile sit second in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 20-8.
Then the action travels to Oklahoma City with a glimpse into the future, as Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs travel to take on the Thunder. The matchup comes two days after the Thunder defeated the Spurs, and just over a week after the Spurs knocked the Thunder out of the NBA Cup.
From there the Dallas Mavericks head to Golden State to take on the Warriors, where two underperforming teams will look to build some momentum. In the penultimate game of the day the Houston Rockets will take on the Los Angeles Lakers, with Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Luka Doncic and LeBron James all set to be in action, before the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets close off the day's play.
NBA Christmas Day start times
The action starts bright and early in Australia - especially for those out west - before carrying on all the way into the afternoon. Here's where each game tips off around Australia.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks
| Date | Start time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 4:00 a.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 3:30 a.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 1:00 a.m. |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 3:00 a.m. |
San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder
| Date | Start time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 6:30 a.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 6:00 a.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 3:30 a.m. |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 5:30 a.m. |
Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors
| Date | Start time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 8:30 a.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 6:00 a.m. |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 8:00 a.m. |
Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers
| Date | Start time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 11:00 a.m. |
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets
| Date | Start time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Fri, Dec. 26 | 1:30 p.m. |
How to watch NBA on Christmas Day
- Channel: ESPN on Foxtel
- Live Stream: Kayo Sports / Disney+ / NBA League Pass
The best place to watch the NBA on Christmas Day this year is through ESPN. For those with access to ESPN's Foxtel TV channel, the game will be broadcasted live. In addition, Kayo Sports and Disney+ both allow subscribers to access ESPN, meaning a subscription to either service will allow fans to enjoy the NBA on Christmas Day. In addition, subscribers to the NBA's League Pass service will also be able to stream the games live.
New users of Kayo can currently sign up for a FREE trial. This dedicated streaming service offers affordable, contract-free plans starting at just $25 per month. Plus, it’s a paradise for sports fans, streaming plenty of live action, including cricket, AFL, F1, and much more.
