The NBA Christmas schedule brings five regular-season matchups across December 25–26, featuring New York vs Cleveland, Oklahoma City vs San Antonio, and several high-profile Western Conference clashes. Here is the full game schedule in Indonesian time (WIB), along with form-based predictions and key matchup insights.
NBA Regular Season — Christmas Schedule (WIB)
The NBA continues its traditional Christmas showcase with five regular-season games spread across December 25 and 26. Fans will see Eastern Conference contenders collide, rising Western teams tested, and several matchups with playoff implications.
All game times below are converted to Western Indonesia Time (WIB, UTC+7).
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: 26 December
Tip-off: 00:00 WIB
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Match Analysis
New York enters the Christmas matchup looking more stable and structured than Cleveland. The Knicks have improved ball movement, stronger wing defense, and more consistent late-game execution, especially with Jalen Brunson controlling tempo. Madison Square Garden has also been a clear advantage this season, with New York playing more disciplined basketball at home.
Cleveland, meanwhile, continues to search for rhythm. Despite retaining its core, the Cavaliers have struggled with offensive consistency and spacing, particularly when Donovan Mitchell faces aggressive perimeter defense. Injuries and rotation changes have disrupted their flow, and their road performances remain uneven.
Key Factors
- Knicks’ home defense and rebounding
- Brunson’s control in half-court offense
- Cavaliers’ reliance on Mitchell isolation scoring
Prediction
Pick: New York Knicks win
New York’s balance, home-court advantage, and late-game structure give them a clear edge in this matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs
Date: 26 December
Tip-off: 00:00 WIB
Venue: Paycom Center
Match Analysis
Oklahoma City continues to establish itself as one of the most disciplined young teams in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers, and the Thunder’s defensive rotations have been consistently strong at home.
San Antonio, however, has been a tricky opponent in recent weeks, already defeating the defending champions twice. Victor Wembanyama’s presence changes matchups defensively and offensively, and the Spurs’ confidence against elite competition is noticeably growing.
Key Factors
- Thunder’s perimeter defense vs Spurs’ interior size
- SGA’s efficiency in clutch situations
- Spurs’ ability to control turnovers
Prediction
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder win
San Antonio’s improvement is real, but Oklahoma City’s structure, spacing, and home dominance should prevail.
Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks
Date: 26 December
Tip-off: 05:00 WIB
Venue: Chase Center
Match Analysis
Golden State remains dangerous at home, especially when Stephen Curry dictates tempo. Ball movement, off-ball screens, and three-point volume define the Warriors’ identity, and Dallas often struggles defending constant motion.
Dallas relies heavily on Luka Dončić’s creation. While Luka can dominate any matchup, Golden State’s switching defense and ability to force secondary playmakers into decisions could limit Dallas late.
Key Factors
- Warriors’ ball movement vs Mavericks’ isolation-heavy offense
- Curry’s off-ball impact
- Dallas’ defensive consistency
Prediction
Pick: Golden State Warriors win
At Chase Center, Golden State’s system and shooting depth give them a slight advantage.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets
Date: 26 December
Tip-off: 08:00 WIB
Venue: Crypto.com Arena
Match Analysis
The Lakers continue to lean on experience, half-court execution, and physical interior play. Their ability to generate free throws and control pace at home remains one of their strongest weapons.
Houston, on the other hand, has shown flashes of athleticism and defensive energy but remains inconsistent on the road. Young lineups often struggle against veteran teams that exploit mistakes and control late-game possessions.
Key Factors
- Lakers’ free-throw advantage
- Houston’s transition offense vs half-court defense
- Experience in close games
Prediction
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers win
Unless Houston plays a near-perfect game, the Lakers’ experience and home environment should decide the outcome.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Date: 26 December
Tip-off: 10:30 WIB
Venue: Ball Arena
Match Analysis
Denver remains one of the league’s most reliable teams at home, with Nikola Jokić orchestrating one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA. Their chemistry and decision-making continue to separate them from most opponents.
Minnesota brings elite defense and physicality, but offensive inconsistency remains a concern, especially against disciplined teams that punish mistakes. Denver’s spacing and passing often neutralize aggressive defensive schemes.
Key Factors
- Jokić’s playmaking vs Minnesota’s interior defense
- Nuggets’ home efficiency
- Timberwolves’ scoring consistency
Prediction
Pick: Denver Nuggets win
Minnesota can compete defensively, but Denver’s execution and home advantage make them favorites.
Final Thoughts
The NBA Christmas schedule offers a balanced mix of rivalry games, rising contenders, and tactical contrasts. With playoff positioning already forming, these matchups carry more weight than a typical regular-season slate.
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You can also check the NBA Results page for live scores, game recaps, and updated standings throughout the season.
