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Knicks Might Have Best Christmas Day Game
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland reacts after being fouled by New York Knicks guard Josh Hart. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Knicks Might Have Best Christmas Day Game

Originally posted on New York Knicks on SI
By Jeremy Brener  |  Last updated Aug 9, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The New York Knicks are marking their calendars for Dec. 25 as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers to start the league's five-game slate on Christmas Day.

The Knicks and Cavaliers will tip off at 12 noon EST from Madison Square Garden, setting the stage for four Western Conference matchups to take place.

Here's a look at the ranking of the matchups when it comes to intrigue:

5. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Someone has to get the coal in the stocking, and unfortunately, the matchup between the Wolves and Nuggets is what comes to mind. It's the final matchup of the long day of games and there's just some fatigue that comes with the final Christmas matchup.

However, this is a great game on paper between two of the West's top teams and it would be a delight to see them match up in the playoffs again.

4. San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace shoots in front of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The defending champions were a lock to be on this list, but the Spurs are the only team on the Christmas Day schedule that wasn't even in the Play-In Tournament last season.

That could change this year, but this game has the biggest blowout potential out of any of the five.

3. Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors

Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie blocks a shot by Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski John Hefti-Imagn Images

The Mavs have Cooper Flagg, the future of the league, going up against Stephen Curry, one of the faces of the league for the last 15 years.

It's a battle of young vs. old and Curry always seems to have a dash of Christmas magic when he plays on the holiday.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland Brad Penner-Imagn Images

This could easily be an Eastern Conference Finals preview and the Knicks come into the game looking for revenge on the Cavs.

The Cavaliers swept the Knicks this past season, so New York could look to stop a losing streak.

1. Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James makes a basket against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Though both of them are in the twilight of their careers, it's hard not to be excited for Kevin Durant facing off against LeBron James.

Add in Luka Doncic's first Lakers Christmas game and an exciting young Rockets team and you've got a gift of a matchup.

This article first appeared on New York Knicks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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