The Frost Bank Center in San Antonio is buzzing with anticipation as the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to square off in a high-stakes NBA matchup on December 29, 2025. Scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off, this clash brings together a surging Western Conference powerhouse and an Eastern squad desperate to regain its footing. Fans can catch every moment live on NBC and Peacock, with multiple streaming options available for those eager to follow the action from home.
The Spurs, boasting a 23-8 record, enter the contest as clear favorites, holding a 3.5-point edge over the Cavaliers according to the latest odds. Despite a recent setback—a 127-114 loss to the Utah Jazz that snapped an impressive eight-game winning streak—San Antonio remains one of the league’s hottest teams. Over the past six weeks, they’ve compiled a remarkable 15-4 record, vaulting them to second place in the Western Conference standings. Their offensive prowess is evident, ranking seventh in the NBA at 120.1 points per game, while their defense sits in the same tier, surrendering just 113.6 points on average.
Central to San Antonio’s resurgence is the electrifying play of Victor Wembanyama. The star forward, who recently returned from a left calf strain that sidelined him for 12 games, wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first start since the injury, Wembanyama erupted for 32 points, seven rebounds, five blocks, and three assists against Utah. "Victor was phenomenal," Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said after the game, praising his young star’s resilience and impact. Wembanyama’s contributions have been pivotal, especially as the Spurs look to bounce back from their recent defeat and protect their home court advantage.
Supporting Wembanyama, Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle have also stepped up. Johnson notched 27 points and 10 rebounds in the Utah game, while Castle provided a spark with 20 points and seven assists. This trio has formed a dynamic core, fueling San Antonio’s offensive engine and keeping them in contention in a competitive Western Conference landscape. The Spurs’ ability to outscore opponents by an average of 6.5 points per game underscores their balanced attack and stifling defense.
On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers arrive in San Antonio reeling from back-to-back losses, most recently a 117-100 defeat at the hands of the Houston Rockets. Their record now stands at 17-16, and they’ve struggled to find consistency, particularly on the road where they’re looking to snap a three-game skid. The Cavaliers have been underdogs in five games this season, winning just one, and sportsbooks currently give them a 43.7% implied chance of victory in this matchup.
Donovan Mitchell remains the engine driving Cleveland’s offense. The All-Star guard is on pace for career highs in multiple categories, averaging 30.2 points per game on 49.7% shooting, with a remarkable 59.4% clip on two-point attempts. He leads the team in both scoring and assists, shouldering a heavy load as the Cavaliers navigate injuries and lineup changes. "The word is disappointing," Mitchell candidly admitted after the Houston loss. "We didn’t match the fight. Everybody besides Jaylon Tyson, Tyrese Proctor, Thomas Bryant, Craig Porter, those four guys did. We didn’t. Can’t be the case. It’s not the loss. It’s the how. We have to figure it out."
Jaylon Tyson, in particular, has emerged as a bright spot amid Cleveland’s recent struggles. Coming off the bench, Tyson delivered a career-high 23 points and 15 rebounds against Houston, earning praise from head coach Kenny Atkinson. "Jaylon was the beacon tonight," Atkinson remarked. "That’s how you have to play. He was ready for the fight. He was ready for the physicality. He was ready for the game. I highlighted him after the game. I said, ‘That’s what we needed across the board, and we didn’t get it.’" Tyson’s hustle and determination have offered a much-needed spark for a Cavaliers squad searching for answers.
Defensively, the Cavaliers have struggled to contain opponents, allowing 117.8 points per game—21st in the league. Their ability to clamp down will be tested by a Spurs offense that thrives in transition and capitalizes on mismatches. Cleveland’s path to victory hinges on their capacity to limit San Antonio’s big runs and force turnovers, a task easier said than done given the Spurs’ recent form.
The betting markets reflect the challenges facing Cleveland. San Antonio has excelled as a favorite, winning 13 of 18 games when favored on the moneyline and covering the spread in 14 of 23 contests when holding opponents under 119.5 points. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s record as an underdog stands at just 1-4, and their performance against the spread has been inconsistent, with an 11-10 mark when scoring more than 113.6 points.
Tonight’s matchup is more than just another regular season game; it’s a litmus test for both squads. For the Spurs, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their status as legitimate contenders in the West, shake off the sting of their recent loss, and showcase the continued development of their young stars. For the Cavaliers, it’s a chance to prove their resilience, regroup after a tough stretch, and demonstrate they can compete with the league’s elite—even on the road.
Fans hoping to tune in have a variety of options. The game is available on NBC and Peacock, with streaming trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Sling TV also provides flexible viewing passes, making it easier than ever for basketball enthusiasts to catch every dunk, block, and buzzer-beater. With both teams boasting dynamic talent and plenty on the line, this showdown promises to deliver high-octane NBA drama from the opening tip.
As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama and Donovan Mitchell—two stars capable of taking over a game at any moment. Will the Spurs’ home-court dominance continue, or can the Cavaliers rediscover their fight and pull off an upset in San Antonio? One thing’s for sure: with playoff implications looming and pride on the line, neither side will back down easily.
With the action about to unfold, the Frost Bank Center is set for a thrilling night of basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard Spurs supporter or a hopeful Cavaliers fan, this is one contest you won’t want to miss. The NBA season is heating up, and tonight’s game could prove pivotal as both teams chase their postseason dreams.
