ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The 2026-27 NBA Christmas Day schedule is profoundly lit. In many ways, it's better than actual presents.
There is the Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Plus, the Boston Celtics playing the Miami Heat. The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Then, the Oklahoma City Thunder squares up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Finally, the Denver Nuggets face off against the Golden State Warriors.
So many storylines in one day. For the ever-so-shy Stephen A. Smith, he has his obvious pick as the matchup to watch. The longtime Knicks fan not only chose the Knicks/Spurs, but also explained why the other games don't matter as much to him.
“It’s the @spurs vs @nyknicks,” Smith posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Easy answer to this. The @celtics don’t have @FCHWPO anymore. The @Lakers don’t have enough defensive bodies. The @Timberwolves are good, except when they face @okcthunder. And @JimmyButler won’t be back to help @StephenCurry30 vs the @nuggets. It’s all about the Finals rematch at MSG. But it should be a Primetime Match. Hello! The @nyknicks are the CHAMPIONS!!!”
The Heat/Celtics game will feature Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Jayson Tatum. Meanwhile, LeBron James will return to Los Angeles as part of the 76ers. Furthermore, he will be an opponent of Luka Doncic and his son, Bronny. In the Midwest, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will take on Anthony Edwards. Also out West, Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic will go toe-to-toe.
The NBA truly outdid itself to bring holiday joy in more ways than one.