There's nothing quite like Christmas Day in the NBA, and this year is no exception. The much-anticipated 2024 Christmas Day schedule is packed with exciting matchups, including the New York Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs, highlighted by the debut of Victor Wembanyama at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks will be playing their 57th Christmas Day game, the most of any team in the league. Hosting games on December 25 has become something of a tradition for the Knicks, and playing at the iconic Madison Square Garden brings unique significance to the event. This year, the Spurs are making the trip to New York City, having last played on Christmas Day in 2016 when they secured a win over the Chicago Bulls.
The matchup will mark the first time the Knicks and Spurs face off on Christmas Day. The Knicks have historically performed well against the Spurs, though their all-time head-to-head record stands at 45-58 against San Antonio.
Wembanyama, the Spurs’ rising star, is expected to take center stage. Fans will get their first glimpse of the rookie sensation participating in his inaugural Christmas Day game. Last season, the Spurs had the second-worst record in the Western Conference yet made significant roster improvements over the summer, signing seasoned players like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, as well as drafting Stephon Castle.
Despite the absence of rivalry, the game promises plenty of entertainment, showcasing star players from both teams. The Knicks will feature notable names such as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns alongside Wembanyama. Injuries, though, may impact the Knicks; they will be without Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Kevin McCullar Jr. (knee) for the game.
On the other hand, San Antonio's injury report does not list any players as unavailable, allowing their key players to participate fully. The Knicks’ starting lineup is expected to include Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, whereas the Spurs will take the floor with Chris Paul, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama.
Fans wanting to watch the Knicks face off against the Spurs can tune in to ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+. The game will tip off at noon ET. For those seeking something different, there will also be an animated presentation of the game on ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+. This unique alt-cast will be the first of its kind, featuring beloved characters Minnie, Mickey, and Goofy, providing families with fun viewing options.
LeBron James will also headline another anticipated Christmas Day game as his Los Angeles Lakers face the Golden State Warriors, vying for James’s record of most Christmas Day games played—18. Joining him are several other star players, including Russell Westbrook, who holds the second most Christmas games played among active players, with 12 appearances.
Christmas Day has become one of the NBA's premier showcasing events, providing fans with thrilling basketball action featuring top-tier talent. This year’s lineup reflects past trends, combining tradition with fresh excitement as new players like Wembanyama enter the spotlight.
The anticipation is palpable, and with the league's best teams and biggest stars taking the court, Christmas Day 2024 promises to be unforgettable for basketball enthusiasts. Will the Knicks leverage their home-court advantage against the Spurs? Can Wembanyama make a splash at MSG? Fans wouldn't want to miss out on any of these festive matchups.
