A rematch of the NBA Finals is one of several high-profile showdowns set for the NBA's 2026 Christmas schedule. Getty Images
**Pat McAfee** said the NBA needs to move its traditional slate of Christmas Day games “to Christmas Eve” after the NFL moved onto what had long been a big day for the NBA’s regular season. McAfee, on “The Pat McAfee Show,” said even though he loves the NBA Finals rematch of Spurs-Knicks at noon ET, one of several high-profile showdowns on this year’s [Christmas schedule that was released today](/Articles/2026/08/11/nba-unveils-season-opening-tripleheader-on-nbc/), he is “not going to see a lot of that” before the NFL games start. McAfee noted Christmas was “the official start of the NBA season every single year” and would feature the “biggest stars in the NBA.” Then the NFL experienced Christmas and “they said, ‘You know what? This is going to be ours now.’” He said there is a “chance that the NBA does become Christmas morning.” McAfee: “We’ve loved Christmas for the NBA and for sports as a whole, but they need to go to Christmas Eve.” He noted the NFL’s Hall of Fame game is “getting bigger numbers than what Christmas Day used to get for the NBA,” which is “not good news.” McAfee: “But we are appreciative of the matchups” (_“The Pat McAfee Show,” 8/11_).
Radio host **Dan Patrick** said, “Used to be that was the NBA’s territory, they always had Christmas day. Now the NFL goes, ‘Excuse me, pardon me,’ and now they are dominating Christmas day as well.” Co-host **Marvin Prince** said, “Wake up, open your presents, see what Santa got for the kids. Spurs-Knicks 12, Packers-Bears 1, Heat-Celtics 2:30, Bills-Broncos 4:30, Sixers-Lakers at 5, Thunder-Wolves at 8, Rams-Seahawks at 8:15, and Nuggets-Warriors at 10:30.” Co-host **Paul Pabst**: “You don’t have to talk to family for 14 hours.” Patrick: “Honey, I’ve gotta watch these games. ‘All of them?’ I work in sports” (_“The Dan Patrick Show,” 8/11_).