Christmas Day traditions often revolve around family gatherings and basketball, but this holiday season, the National Football League (NFL) is presenting a compelling new challenge to the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s long-standing presence. Following a successful doubleheader last year, the NFL has expanded its Christmas Day offerings to three matchups, all featuring divisional opponents, kicking off Week 17. Meanwhile, the NBA is set to continue its cherished tradition with a regular slate of five games, broadcast on ABC/ESPN, marking the 18th consecutive year of this festive spectacle.

To navigate this extensive eight-game Christmas spread, a comprehensive guide has been compiled by reporters and analysts from both sports. This guide delves into every matchup, covering critical storylines, key statistics, bold predictions, fantasy football/basketball X factors, and essential betting nuggets. Furthermore, ESPN's Football and Basketball Power Index (FPI and BPI) provide in-depth game projections. For the NFL contests, the guide also highlights playoff ramifications, with the postseason commencing in just two weeks.

NBA Christmas Day Matchups:

The NBA's five-game slate begins and ends on the hardwood, listed chronologically by start time:

Cavaliers (17-14) at Knicks (20-9) - Noon ET: This matchup was anticipated as an Eastern Conference finals preview, but the Cavaliers have struggled, particularly with Evan Mobley sidelined by a calf strain. The Knicks, bolstered by Jalen Brunson's recent tear (averaging 32.3 points and 6.8 assists on impressive shooting splits in his past eight games), embody the toughness Cleveland aspires to. The Cavaliers' offensive struggles are compounded by Darius Garland's turf toe injury. A month ago, the teams were close in standings, but New York has been 12-3 during Cleveland's recent extended slump. A bold prediction suggests Donovan Mitchell, playing his first Christmas Day game since 2021, will activate his postseason form and exceed 35 points. Fantasy analysis notes the Cavaliers' decline in offensive and defensive ratings this season, with Mitchell being a notable exception, averaging career highs in points, 3-pointers made, and usage rate.

Spurs (22-7) at Thunder (26-4) - 2:30 p.m. ET: A heated rivalry is brewing between these young, hungry teams. The Spurs recently snapped the Thunder's 16-game winning streak in the NBA Cup semifinals. Victor Wembanyama has been coming off the bench in recent games since returning from a calf strain, playing limited minutes. The individual battle between Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren is a key focus; Wembanyama has averaged superior stats in their prior matchups. A bold prediction forecasts Wembanyama scoring 40 points, a feat no opposing player has achieved against the Thunder this season, but one he accomplished in his Christmas debut last season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a fantasy powerhouse, averaging 53.1 fantasy points per game and matching Michael Jordan's pace for 30-plus point games since the merger.

Mavericks (12-19) at Warriors (15-15) - 5 p.m. ET: The focus here is on Klay Thompson's return to San Francisco, marking his third trip back to face his former team after 13 years with the Warriors. Thompson has contributed to a recent Mavericks surge. Rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg is also set for his Christmas Day debut, showcasing his scoring prowess with recent nights of 33, 35, and 42 points. The Warriors, despite fringe contention aspirations, are struggling for consistency and need to accumulate wins during a favorable schedule stretch. Historically, Thompson ranks third in NBA history for 3-pointers made with a single team (2,481 with the Warriors). A bold prediction suggests the Warriors will make at least 18 3-pointers, a benchmark they've hit with success when playing with two days of rest.

Rockets (17-10) at Lakers (19-9) - 8 p.m. ET: Both teams enter this matchup potentially not at their best, with the Rockets having slipped in the standings and the Lakers facing multiple starter absences. This game presents an important test for the Lakers, who have appeared flat in recent high-leverage games against strong Western Conference opponents. LeBron James' remarkable streak of scoring at least 16 points in all 19 of his historic Christmas Day appearances continues. A bold prediction sees James scoring over 30 points, handling an increased offensive load.

Timberwolves (20-10) at Nuggets (21-8) - 10:30 p.m. ET: The Timberwolves recently made a statement with a comeback win over the Thunder, led by Anthony Edwards' clutch performance. Despite a 3-8 record against teams at .500 or better, Minnesota aims to build momentum, reminiscent of last season's run to the Western Conference finals at the expense of Nikola Jokic's Nuggets. The Nuggets have surprisingly struggled at home recently, losing five of their past seven games at Ball Arena. A bold prediction anticipates Edwards leading all players in scoring on Christmas Day, benefiting from Denver's defensive absences. Fantasy analysis highlights Edwards' career-high scoring, fueled by an expanded offensive game operating effectively out of the post.

NFL Christmas Day Matchups:

The three NFL contests are all divisional clashes:

Cowboys (6-8-1) at Commanders (4-11) - 1 p.m. ET: Eliminated from playoff contention, the Cowboys are motivated by pride and the chance to achieve a non-losing record and a 5-1 divisional record. Quarterback Dak Prescott boasts a combined 26-4 career record against the Commanders and Giants. The Commanders, also eliminated, aim to halt a seven-game losing streak against Dallas. Washington has historically struggled against Prescott, allowing an average of 33.6 points per game in 14 matchups. A bold prediction suggests Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson will record at least seven receptions. Fantasy insights recommend starting Prescott, Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens against a struggling Commanders defense.

Lions (8-7) at Vikings (7-8) - 4:30 p.m. ET: The Lions enter this game on a two-game losing streak, with coach Dan Campbell emphasizing moving forward and finishing the season strong. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is particularly motivated after a disappointing Thanksgiving game. The Vikings are focused on ensuring wide receiver Justin Jefferson eclipses 1,000 receiving yards for the season, needing 83 yards over two games despite recent struggles. Minnesota has also suffered from a high number of dropped passes this season. A bold prediction projects Lions cornerback D.J. Reed to allow a touchdown to Jefferson, citing Reed's high yards per coverage snap since returning from injury. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been productive as a receiver for the Lions despite recent rushing struggles.

Broncos (12-3) at Chiefs (6-9) - 8:15 p.m. ET: The Broncos aim for the AFC's No. 1 seed, needing to win both remaining games and a strong defensive rebound. They face Chiefs third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, who is set to make his first NFL start on Christmas Day. December games in Arrowhead have historically been challenging for Denver. The Chiefs have struggled with first-half scoring, failing six times this season. A bold prediction sees Broncos quarterback Bo Nix rebounding with a QBR above 75, leveraging Kansas City's frequent blitzing. The Broncos' rushing attack, led by RJ Harvey, is expected to perform well against a defense that recently surrendered significant fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Notable NBA Christmas Day Debuts:

Christmas Day marks a prime opportunity for NBA players to make a statement, a tradition dating back to the 1946-47 season. This year features the holiday debuts of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (averaging 32.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds for the Thunder) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists). Flagg, at 18 years and 359 days old, recently became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game, surpassing LeBron James, and will be the fourth-youngest player to appear on Christmas Day.

• 2024, Victor Wembanyama: Recorded 42 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks against the New York Knicks. His 42 points were the most by a visitor at Madison Square Garden on Christmas, making him the third player (after Wilt Chamberlain and Nikola Jokic) to achieve 40 points and 15 rebounds on the holiday.
• 2020, Zion Williamson: Posted 32 points and 14 rebounds against the Miami Heat, setting then-career highs and becoming one of few players to score over 30 points on Christmas before turning 21.
• 2018, Giannis Antetokounmpo: In his first MVP-winning season, he delivered 30 points, 14 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists against the Knicks. He was the first Bucks player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972 to drop 30 on Christmas.
• 2015, Anthony Davis: Tallied 29 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 assists for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Heat. He had a dominant first half and played a then-career-high 50 minutes in an overtime loss.
• 2003, LeBron James: Shone in his rookie debut against the Orlando Magic with 34 points, 6 assists, and 2 rebounds, going toe-to-toe with Tracy McGrady and forcing overtime with eight fourth-quarter points. James holds the record for most career points on Christmas Day, exceeding 500.
• 2000, Tracy McGrady: Exploded for 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks against the Indiana Pacers, achieving the highest points per game average on the holiday (43.3).
• 1985, Patrick Ewing: Led the Knicks to an upset double-overtime victory over the Boston Celtics with 32 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, rallying from a 20-point deficit.
• 1980, Larry Bird: Dominated the Knicks with 28 points, 20 rebounds, and 8 assists, playing 47 minutes and becoming one of only two players (with Willis Reed) to achieve at least 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists on Christmas.
• 1960, Oscar Robertson: Made history in his rookie debut with a triple-double of 32 points, 16 assists, and 15 rebounds, remaining the only player in NBA history to achieve this feat on their Christmas Day debut. His 16 assists are also a holiday record.
• 1959, Wilt Chamberlain: Set Christmas Day debut records with 45 points and 34 rebounds against the New York Knicks. His 45 points are the seventh most in any Christmas Day game, and it was his third career 45-point, 30-rebound outing.

This Christmas Day promises a compelling blend of high-stakes current games across both the NFL and NBA, alongside the opportunity for new stars to etch their names into the rich history of holiday sports entertainment, echoing the legendary performances of the past.