NBA Christmas Day games 2024: Schedule, teams and how to stream every game

NBA Christmas Day schedule

• Wednesday, December 25 @ 12 p.m. San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
• Wednesday, December 25 @ 2:30 p.m. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
• Wednesday, December 25 @ 5 p.m. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
• Wednesday, December 25 @ 8 p.m. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
• Wednesday, December 25 @ 10:30 p.m. Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns

*All times are EST

How to stream Christmas Day NBA games

This year the NBA will air all five Christmas day games on ABC and ESPN. The games will also be featured on the ESPN Plus app, which can be purchased independently and is also available with all Hulu + Live TV subscriptions. The games will also air on Disney Plus. 

Watch on Disney Plus

Disney Plus is an independent app that’s compatible with most smart TVs and streaming devices, like the Roku and Fire TV Stick. On Christmas Day this year, the platform will air all NBA games as special events. Additionally, Disney Plus will carry something called “Dunk the Halls.” This will be the first, real-time animated NBA game. It airs at 12 p.m. EST and will animate the Spurs vs. Knicks game. 

In addition to sports content, Disney Plus features original Disney series and movies throughout the year. The app also has PIXAR, Marvel and Star Wars content. 

Watch on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM is a good platform for sports fans. Not only will you get ABC and ESPN for Christmas NBA games, but you can watch all other local channels in most markets. Plus, it’s known for regional sports networks (RSNs) like FanDuel Sports Network channels (formerly Bally Sports). We recommend signing up for the Choice plan and above, as this unlocks the most national sports channels and RSNs. Plus, you’ll get more college games via ACCN, Big Ten Network and SEC Network.

Other popular channels from DIRECTV STREAM include NBA TV, NFL Network, NHL Network, NFL RedZone, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), and Fox Sports 2 (FS2). Plus, there’s a Sports Pack with MLB Strike Zone and additional networks. Customers also get unlimited simultaneous streams at home, three streams away from home and unlimited cloud DVR space.

Watch on Fubo

Fubo has always had a focus on sports fans, including basketball fans. You can watch the Christmas games on ABC and ESPN, plus you have access to all local channels. The platform’s plans fluctuate a lot, but they currently have three solid offerings with tons of sports channels. This includes FS1, FS2, NFL Network, Marquee Sports Network, Fubo Sports, ACCN, SEC Network and Big Ten Network. Fubo is also the only live streaming service besides DIRECTV STREAM to have a relationship with regional FanDuel Sports channels. Select plans include regional sports coverage and are therefore subject to a monthly regional sports fee based on area that may apply.

To get NBA TV, you’ll need the Sports Lite extra. This add-on also delivers channels like MLB Network, MLB Strikezone and NHL Network. Fubo used to limit customers to 1,000 hours of DVR space at one point in the past, but now offers unlimited Cloud DVR space at no charge for all plans. You can also watch on up to 10 screens at once within your home network, plus 3 on the go.

Watch on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV has just one plan, and unfortunately, it doesn’t include NBA TV. However, you can watch the Christmas Day NBA games on ABC and ESPN. While it lacks NBA TV, Hulu’s single plan does have NFL Network and MLB Network in its regular channel guide. All customers also get ESPN Plus for free. This app will stream Christmas games, plus the “30 for 30” documentary series, extra NFL coverage, college games and key play highlights.

The Hulu + Live TV channel lineup also features all local networks, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, TNT, ACCN, Big Ten Network and SEC Network. The Sports add-on gives you NFL RedZone if you want to watch every out-of-market touchdown and field goal on Sunday. All customers get unlimited cloud DVR and can watch on up to two devices at the same time. Plus, you’ll get the massive Hulu on-demand library with Hulu Originals and tons of other network series and movies.

Watch on Sling TV

Sling TV isn’t the most reliable when it comes to local networks. However, ABC is available in certain markets, including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. When they’re available, local networks are on Sling Blue. This plan also has FS1 and NFL Network. 

To watch NBA Christmas games on ESPN, you’ll need Sling Orange. With Sling TV's plans, you also have the option of the combined Sling Orange & Blue plan to give you all networks on the platform. If ABC isn’t available to you, you also get a free HD OTA antenna from Sling (with the purchase of a channel package) to tap into local channels.

Not enough networks? The Sling Blue Sports Extra unlocks SEC Network, MLB Network Strike Zone, NHL Network, NBA TV, Tennis Channel, NFL RedZone and Golf Channel. You can get 50 hours of cloud DVR storage or upgrade to get 200 hours. Plus, Sling Orange & Blue allows customers to use up to four simultaneous streams.

Watch on YouTube TV

YouTube TV has just one plan, but it delivers local channels and ESPN. Plus, you’ll get NFL Network, FS1, FS2, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, NBA TV and the Tennis Channel. 

Unfortunately, MLB Network has been missing from YouTube TV for a few years now. On the upside, YouTube TV is now the exclusive home of the NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games, and current subscribers usually get a discount.

You can expand your channel guide with the paid Sports Plus add-on, which lets you watch channels like NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, Billiard TV, FanDuel TV and Fight Network. YouTube TV has unlimited cloud DVR and up to three simultaneous streams. The platform also offers a unique viewing experience for sports fans who want real-time stats. The Key Plays, Stats and Fantasy Football view options allow you to keep up with the league of your choice while you’re watching.

FAQ

What NBA teams are playing on Christmas Day 2024?

There are five NBA games airing on Christmas Day 20204. This include: San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns.

Where can I watch the NBA Christmas games?

The NBA Christmas games will air on ABC and ESPN in 2024. You can also stream the games on Disney Plus or ESPN Plus. 

How to watch NBA games without NBA TV?

Many NBA games air on TNT, TBS and ESPN. On Christmas Day, all five games will also air on ABC.