NBA Takes a Holiday Break! All Games Suspended for Christmas, Even the 11th-Seed Suns Are Playing in the Christmas Matchups

For basketball fans worldwide, today marks a rare pause in the NBA schedule. No games are being played—not because of any controversy or unexpected event—but simply because it’s Christmas. In the United States, Christmas is a major holiday, and the NBA traditionally takes the day off, allowing players and staff to celebrate with their families. However, this calm will give way to high-intensity action tomorrow when the highly anticipated Christmas Day games tip off.

The Christmas Day schedule features five marquee matchups:

• San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
• Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
• Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
• Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns

While many fans eagerly await these games, some have voiced dissatisfaction with the selection of teams. Critics point out that top-performing squads like the Cleveland Cavaliers (Eastern Conference leaders) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (best in the West) have been left out. Even the in-season tournament champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, will spend Christmas as spectators rather than participants.

The reasoning behind the Christmas matchups, however, has little to do with current standings or achievements. The schedule is set well in advance of the season and prioritizes marketability. Teams with superstar players and high fan engagement are given the Christmas Day spotlight, while win-loss records often take a back seat.

Breaking Down the NBA’s Current Landscape

With the league taking a one-day break, it’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate the standings and reflect on the state of the NBA. Here’s a closer look at the Eastern and Western Conferences:

Eastern Conference Standings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (26-4)
2. Boston Celtics (22-7)
3. New York Knicks (19-10)
4. Orlando Magic (19-12)
5. Milwaukee Bucks (16-12)
6. Miami Heat (14-13)
7. Atlanta Hawks (15-15)
8. Indiana Pacers (15-15)
9. Chicago Bulls (13-17)
10. Detroit Pistons (13-17)

One of the biggest surprises in the East is the resurgence of the Detroit Pistons. After finishing with a league-worst 14-68 record last season, they are now in the mix for a play-in spot. Cade Cunningham, the Pistons' cornerstone player, has been instrumental in their turnaround. Averaging 23.9 points, 7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, Cunningham has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier ball-dominant creators.

Western Conference Standings

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (23-5)
2. Houston Rockets (20-9)
3. Memphis Grizzlies (20-10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (19-10)
5. Denver Nuggets (16-11)
6. Los Angeles Clippers (17-13)
7. Los Angeles Lakers (16-13)
8. Golden State Warriors (15-13)
9. San Antonio Spurs (15-14)
10. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-14)

One notable storyline in the West is the recent struggles of the Phoenix Suns. Despite a strong start, the Suns have dropped three straight games, falling to 14-14 and currently sitting 11th in the conference. Yet, they are still part of the Christmas Day lineup, which some fans see as an injustice given that they’re not even in the play-in tournament picture at the moment. Still, the Suns boast star power in Kevin Durant, and their games consistently draw significant attention—two key factors in their selection for the Christmas showcase.

The Christmas Day Debate: Performance vs. Popularity

Every year, the selection of Christmas Day matchups sparks debate among fans. This year is no exception, with many questioning why certain high-performing teams like the Cavaliers and Thunder were excluded. Cleveland’s league-best 26-4 record has made them a dominant force in the East, while the Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sit atop the West with a 23-5 record.

Despite their success, these teams lack the star-studded rosters and massive followings of franchises like the Lakers, Warriors, and Suns. The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule is designed with viewership in mind, prioritizing teams that will generate buzz and draw in casual fans. It’s a calculated move aimed at maximizing the league’s presence during a marquee holiday.

For some fans, this approach is frustrating. They argue that the games should feature the best teams rather than the most marketable ones. Others, however, understand the business side of the league and accept that Christmas Day is more about entertainment than competition.

Tomorrow’s Matchups: What to Watch For

As the games approach, there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding the matchups.

• Spurs vs. Knicks: Can Victor Wembanyama shine on the big stage against a strong New York team?
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks: Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards headline a battle between two dynamic young stars.
• 76ers vs. Celtics: Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum face off in a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview.
• Lakers vs. Warriors: LeBron James and Stephen Curry renew their storied rivalry.
• Nuggets vs. Suns: Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP, takes on Kevin Durant in what could be a Western Conference Finals preview.

Each game offers its own storyline, and the league’s top players will undoubtedly look to put on a show for the global audience.

As fans gear up for the action, the Christmas Day slate serves as a reminder of the NBA’s unique ability to blend competition with spectacle. Whether your team made the cut or not, one thing is certain: the games will be must-watch television.