Traditionally, the two teams that reached the NBA Finals the previous season are featured in the Christmas Day lineup. This year is no different, but with a twist—according to Bangladesh Cricket Live sources, matchups like Cavaliers vs Warriors no longer draw the excitement they once did. With LeBron James now wearing purple and gold, it’s the Lakers vs Warriors clash that’s capturing fan interest.
Besides the marquee Lakers-Warriors showdown, the NBA has lined up three other Christmas Day games: the Knicks will face the Bucks, the 76ers take on the Celtics, and the Jazz go head-to-head with the Trail Blazers. Yet all eyes will be on the battle in California, where LeBron James will square off once again with Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry in one of the most anticipated games of the season.
The NBA is also planning a special slate for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring three high-profile matchups: the Grizzlies hosting the Pelicans, the Rockets traveling to face the 76ers, and another Lakers-Warriors showdown—this time at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The rematch adds even more intrigue to an already headline-grabbing matchup.
Among these, the Rockets vs 76ers is another can’t-miss battle. Last season, Houston reached the Western Conference Finals, while Philadelphia advanced to the Eastern Semis. Both teams are hungry to go further this year. The spotlight will be on superstars James Harden and Chris Paul as they take on Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons in what promises to be a high-intensity contest.
Another matchup worth watching is between the Grizzlies and Pelicans. Though Memphis struggled last season, the return of Mike Conley and key offseason adjustments are expected to spark a turnaround. The Pelicans, on the other hand, lost DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo, but made a key addition by signing Julius Randle. With both teams undergoing major changes, their new season performances are highly anticipated.
Lastly, the Rockets will face the Thunder in a Christmas Day clash loaded with storylines. As two of the top teams expected to challenge the Warriors in the West, this game brings plenty of firepower. Carmelo Anthony is expected to join Houston, setting up an emotional reunion with his former team.
Christmas Day games have become a centerpiece of the NBA calendar, with the league curating the most buzzworthy matchups each year. This year promises another feast for fans, packed with rivalry, star power, and playoff-level intensity—all broadcast to a global audience eager for high-stakes holiday basketball. Stay tuned to Bangladesh Cricket Live for the full schedule release later this week.