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NEW YORK – The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Mecca of Basketball to battle the New York Knicks on Christmas Day today – Thursday, Dec. 25 – at Madison Square Garden. This NBA game is available on multiple streaming services for free.
How do I watch Cavs vs. Knicks Christmas Day for free?
TheCavs vs. Knicks will broadcast live on ABC and ESPN at 12 p.m. Eastern. Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch this game for free by utilizing a free trial from DIRECTV, which also offers $40 off your first month.
FuboTV has a free trial and up to $25 off your first month.
The most flexible option isSling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter.
This game is also available on the ESPN app streaming service, which now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $12.99 per month (or $129.99 for entire year). The ESPN app replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus.
Game Info
Date & Tip-off: Thursday, December 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
TV: ESPN / ABC
Form & Records
New York Knicks: 20–9, leading the Atlantic Division, an impressive 14–2 at home
Cleveland Cavaliers: 17–14, currently 7th in the East, with a 6–6 road record
Key Storylines
1. Offensive Showdown
This marks a marquee matchup between Jalen Brunson (29 ppg) and Donovan Mitchell (30 ppg), two Eastern Conference scoring leaders
Expect high scoring—239.5 is the projected total.
2. Knicks’ Depth vs. Cavs’ Injuries
New York boasts strong depth with contributors like Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, and Mitchell Robinson enjoying consistent rotation minutes.
Cleveland is grappling with key absences:
Evan Mobley (calf) is questionable and likely out
Max Strus (foot) and Larry Nance Jr. (calf) are officially out
3. Knicks starting full strength
Jalen Brunson is confirmed to play after sitting the last game.
OG Anunoby also expected back, returning an already potent New York lineup.
Betting Insights & Odds
Spread: Knicks favored by 6 points
Moneyline: Knicks –231 / Cavs +190
Over/Under: 237.5–239.5
ATS Trends:
NBA-best 14–2 SU at home for New York, 13–3 ATS
Cavs are 9–22 ATS, struggling covering, especially without Mobley
Game-Watch Checklist
Brunson vs. Mitchell: Who leads the holiday scoring?
Cavs without Mobley: How will that impact paint control and interior defense?
Bench production: Will Knicks’ reserves extend the lineup advantage?
BUY TICKETS TO EVERY CAVS GAME THIS SEASON
What are the latest odds for Cavs vs. Knicks?
Spread: CLE: (+6.5), NY: (-6.5)
Moneyline: CLE: (+220), NY: (-190)
Point total: 238.5
Odds from DraftKings
Here’s more information on how to watch Cavs vs. Knicks on TV and streaming services.
What: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
Where: Madison Square Garden | New York, N.Y.
Channel: ABC and ESPN
Best streaming options:FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), DIRECTV (free trial and $40 off your first month), Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass) and ESPN streaming.