NBA Christmas games: History, traditions and schedule - ESPN

Opening presents while spending time with loved ones has been part of many families' traditions on Christmas Day for generations. So has watching basketball.

While families around the world eagerly unwrap gifts, sounds and images emanate from televisions and fill living rooms. Knowing this, the NBA strategically decided early on to schedule games on Christmas Day that showcase the league's top teams and best players in an effort to captivate television audiences.

Today, the NBA on Christmas Day reaches spectators in more than 200 countries and territories with broadcasts in more than 50 different languages.

Here are more facts about the NBA's Christmas Day tradition:

What is the NBA's 2024 Christmas Day schedule?

*All times Eastern

San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks — Noon on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+

«Dunk the Halls» animated alt-cast with Disney characters — Noon on ESPN2/ESPN+/Disney+

Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks — 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics — 5 p.m. on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+

Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors — 8 p.m. on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+

Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns — 10:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+

When did the NBA on Christmas Day tradition begin?

The NBA began playing games on Christmas Day in 1947, one year after the league's inception. The New York Knicks defeated the Providence Steamrollers 89-75 at Madison Square Garden in the league's first Christmas Day game. Since then, the NBA has played games on Christmas Day every year except in 1998, when a lockout canceled half of the 1998-99 season.

Which team has played the most games on Christmas Day?

The Knicks have played the most Christmas Day games with 56.

Which team has the most wins on Christmas Day?

The Knicks and