Back for another year of holiday fun, the second annual "Dunk the Halls" alt-cast will bring the Knicks and Cavaliers to Disney World.
Using Sony's Beyond Sports Technology, Disney, ESPN and the NBA are teaming up to produce another real-time animated game Thursday. When the Knicks and Cavaliers tip off on Christmas Day, fans can watch a virtual re-creation of the action on "Main Street, USA" in Walt Disney World Resort.
All of Disney's classic characters will make an appearance on the broadcast, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip and Dale. The crew will also be joined by Stitch, making his 'Dunk the Halls' debut.
Here's everything you need to know about the second annual 'Dunk the Halls' experience, including TV channel and streaming options for the Knicks vs. Cavs alternate broadcast.
Where to watch Knicks vs. Cavs animated broadcast
The "Dunk the Halls" broadcast will air on ESPN2. You can also stream the animated broadcast between the Knicks and Spurs on the ESPN app or on Disney+.
The traditional broadcast of the Knicks vs. Cavs game will air on ABC and ESPN.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the new ESPN app.
What is the 'Dunk the Halls' game?
The alternate telecast of the Christmas Day matchup will use Sony's Beyond Sports Technology to animate the action as it happens. The same technology has previously been used by the NFL for editions of "Funday Football," featuring characters from "Toy Story" and "The Simpsons."
In this version of the broadcast, classic Disney characters will all be watching, and they will even participate in a halftime parade.
Knicks vs. Cavs start time
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 25
- Time: Noon ET
Knicks vs. Cavs will tip off at noon ET on Christmas Day. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York.
NBA games on TV today: Full schedule for Christmas basketball games
Thursday, Dec. 25
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Knicks vs. Cavaliers | Noon | ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 (alternate telecast), ESPN app |
| Spurs vs. Thunder | 2:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, ESPN app |
| Mavericks vs. Warriors | 5 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, ESPN app |
| Rockets vs. Lakers | 8 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, ESPN app |
| Timberwolves vs. Nuggets | 10:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, ESPN app |
Related Links
- Latest NBA news and rumors
- Full 2025-26 NBA schedule and scores
- How to bet on the NBA
- The GOAT Debate: Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James
