The NBA began playing basketball games on Christmas Day in 1947, ESPN reported. The league has played games every Christmas except during a lockout in 1998. The New York Knicks played the Providence Steamrollers in the inaugural game.

The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.

Sports fans have a total of eight NFL or NBA games to watch on Christmas Day.

Castle has delivered some of his best performances this year against the Thunder. He poured in 24 points on 7-for-12 shooting in Tuesday’s impressive 130-110 victory over OKC — including four triples — and he served up a 22-point effort in the NBA Cup semifinal.

Eight more NFL teams punched their ticket into the postseason during Week 16 of the 2025 NFL regular season, which is the most in a single week through a non-strike season in league history, per ESPN ...