The NBA has given fans an early holiday treat by unveiling its Christmas Day game lineup. Announced on Tuesday, the schedule features the usual five exciting matchups spread throughout the day.
Here’s a look at the initial betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 11:
2026 NBA Christmas Day Matchups and Odds
Spurs at Knicks
- Spread: Knicks -1.5
- Moneyline: Knicks -115, Spurs -105
- Over/Under: 229.5
Key Insight: This game is a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals, where the Knicks won in five games. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will be eager for revenge, especially since San Antonio held double-digit leads in four of those Knicks victories, including three on their home court. Could this be the start of a new major East-West rivalry in the league?
Heat at Celtics
- Spread: Celtics -5.5
- Moneyline: Celtics -185, Heat +154
- Over/Under: 228.5
Key Insight: Both teams have revamped their rosters significantly this offseason. Boston traded key player Jaylen Brown for Paul George, while Miami secured superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. It remains uncertain how these changes will affect their chemistry and performance.
76ers at Lakers
- Spread: Lakers -1.5
- Moneyline: Lakers -120, 76ers +100
- Over/Under: 234.5
Key Insight: This game marks LeBron James’ first and likely only visit to Crypto.com Arena this season, barring a Finals matchup between the two teams. LeBron signed with Philly after eight years with the Lakers, who have since invested heavily in Austin Reaves and added Walker Kessler via trade.
Thunder at Wolves
- Spread: Thunder -4.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -162, Wolves +136
- Over/Under: 231.5
Key Insight: Oklahoma City has traded Lu Dort and may fill his spot with Cason Wallace or Ajay Mitchell, but how this impacts their depth is uncertain. Minnesota made a splash acquiring LaMelo Ball, raising questions about how he will gel with Anthony Edwards.
Nuggets at Warriors
- Spread: Nuggets -2.5
- Moneyline: Nuggets -135, Warriors +114
- Over/Under: 233.5
Key Insight: A classic Western Conference clash between Steph Curry’s Warriors and Nikola Jokić’s Nuggets. Both teams face questions heading into the season—Jokić has yet to extend with Denver, and Golden State has missed the playoffs twice in four years. Is their championship window closing?
Fan Take: This Christmas Day lineup not only highlights some of the NBA’s brightest stars but also signals potential shifts in the league’s balance of power. Watching these revamped teams face off could redefine rivalries and storylines, making this one of the most intriguing holiday schedules in recent memory.
Source: www.foxsports.com
