Christmas Day is often a time for household and basketball, however the NFL is presenting a brand new problem for the NBA this vacation season.
After a doubleheader of NFL video games on Christmas final 12 months, the league added another matchup at night time to kick off Week 17. All three NFL matchups are between divisional opponents. In the meantime, the NBA is ready to function its common slate of 5 video games (all on ABC/ESPN) for the 18th straight 12 months.
This eight-game Christmas unfold generally is a lot to soak up, so we put collectively an all-encompassing information for Thursday. Our reporters and analysts from each sports activities broke down each matchup, together with the most important storylines, key stats, daring predictions, fantasy X components and betting nuggets (odds through DraftKings Sportsbook). Plus, we used ESPN’s Soccer and Basketball Energy Index to go contained in the numbers with recreation projections. For the NFL video games, we additionally included ramifications for the playoffs, which start in simply two weeks.
Let’s get to all eight contests, beginning and ending on the hardwood. (Video games are listed in chronological order by begin time.)
Bounce to an NBA matchup:
CLE-NYK | SA-OKC | DAL-GS
HOU-LAL | MIN-DEN
Bounce to an NFL matchup:
DAL-WSH | DET-MIN | DEN-KC
Midday ET | ESPN/ABC | NYK -5.5 (237.5 O/U)
Greatest storylines to observe: The league in all probability thought this is able to be a preview of the Jap Convention finals when the schedule got here out, however the Cavaliers have sputtered and are actually with out Evan Mobley resulting from a calf pressure. The Knicks — particularly since coach Mike Brown has gone again to final season’s beginning 5 — signify every part the Cavs wish to be: robust.
And the Knicks are greater than discovering their stride on offense, being second in effectivity. Reigning Participant of the Week Jalen Brunson has been on a tear, averaging 32.3 factors and 6.8 assists in his previous eight video games getting into Tuesday night time on 51/41/83 splits — a pointy distinction to the season Darius Garland is having, coping with turf toe that was purported to be surgically repaired throughout the offseason.
The Cavaliers cannot get off the mat till Garland finds himself; in any other case, it will be Donovan Mitchell standing alone in opposition to the Knicks. — Vincent Goodwill
Stat to know: A month in the past, the Cavaliers and Knicks have been subsequent to one another within the standings, with 11-6 and 9-6 data, respectively. However Cleveland has misplaced as many video games since Nov. 24 (eight) as New York has all season, because the NBA Cup champions are 12-3 throughout the Cavaliers’ current prolonged swoon. — Zach Kram
Daring prediction: Mitchell, taking part in on Christmas Day for the primary time since 2021, will activate the identical mode that averages 29.6 PPG in every of the previous two postseasons and can high 35 factors for the ninth time this season. — Kevin Pelton
Accidents: Cavaliers | Knicks
Fantasy nugget: The Cavaliers look dramatically totally different this season. After rating within the high 10 in each offensive and defensive score a 12 months in the past, they’re tenth offensively and sixteenth defensively. They’re additionally capturing simply 34.6% from 3, down from 38.3%. Garland’s capturing struggles and Mobley’s harm absence have solely added to the decline. Mitchell has been the exception — he’s averaging profession highs in factors per recreation (30.7), 3-pointers made (4.1) and utilization price (32.3). — Eric Moody
Greatest wager: Brunson over 29.5 factors (-111). Earlier than sitting Tuesday’s recreation for ankle upkeep, Brunson was on a heater. He was averaging 33.1 PPG in his earlier seven video games, scoring 30 or extra 5 instances and 40 or extra twice. He has a penchant for having an enormous recreation on the large stage, and the Christmas Day recreation in Madison Sq. Backyard is as huge because it will get within the common season. He is additionally going through a pleasant Cavaliers perimeter protection that ranks twentieth in factors allowed to opposing level guards. — Andre’ Snellings
Kram’s decide: Knicks 123, Cavaliers 111
Pelton’s decide: Knicks 118, Cavaliers 116
BPI prediction: NYK, 61.1%
Matchup must-reads: 5 wild-card gamers who might affect the wide-open East race … Knicks coach Mike Brown counts Bernie Bickerstaff as his largest mentor
1 p.m. ET | Netflix | DAL -7 (50.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Cowboys: Out of the playoffs, the Cowboys’ motivation comes all the way down to pleasure, a non-losing document and another factor as they finish the season in opposition to the Commanders and Giants. “I am fueled by the truth that we get to play an NFC East opponent this week after which subsequent week,” coach Brian Schottenheimer stated. “We wish to win. And to maintain some success and we have now an opportunity to doubtlessly go 5-1 within the division. I imply that is the NFC East.” Quarterback Dak Prescott is a mixed 26-4 versus each groups in his profession. — Todd Archer
What we’re listening to on the Commanders: There’s not a lot to salvage from this wreckage of a season, and the Commanders cannot even play spoiler. However they do must cease the bleeding versus Dallas. The Cowboys have gained seven of the previous 9 video games on this rivalry, together with the previous two at Northwest Stadium. One factor that will assistance is limiting turnovers. Washington is minus-12 in turnover margin and was minus-2 in a 44-22 loss to Dallas in Week 6. And of their previous 9 video games versus the Cowboys, the Commanders are minus-13 in turnover differential. — John Keim
Stat to know: The Commanders have allowed a median of 33.6 factors per recreation in 14 matchups in opposition to Prescott because the beginning QB. That is essentially the most factors allowed by any staff versus one other with an energetic quarterback. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Cowboys tight finish Jake Ferguson will document at the very least seven receptions for the primary time since Oct. 19, the final time these two groups performed. Apart from that particular little bit of historical past, that is principally a intestine feeling. Ferguson was such an enormous a part of the offense early within the season however has been quieter since. — Seth Walder
What’s at stake: The Cowboys have been eradicated from playoff rivalry in Week 16 after the Eagles defeated the Commanders. Washington was already eradicated from the postseason race and is projected to have the No. 7 draft decide per FPI. See Playoff Machine. — ESPN Analysis
Accidents: Cowboys | Commanders
Fantasy nugget: Prescott, working again Javonte Williams and huge receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens all belong in lineups in opposition to a Commanders protection that has been eviscerated all season. Washington has allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors to quarterbacks, the sixth most to working backs and the ninth most to huge receivers. See Week 17 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Commanders are 5-10 ATS, tied for the worst document within the NFL. They’re 3-9 ATS as underdogs. Learn extra. — ESPN Analysis
Pamela Maldonado’s decide: Cowboys 44, Commanders 24
Moody’s decide: Cowboys 27, Commanders 20
Walder’s decide: Cowboys 30, Commanders 13
FPI prediction: DAL, 56.1% (by a median of two.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: What did Cowboys get proper in Schottenheimer’s first season?
2:30 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN | OKC -10.5 (233.5 O/U)
Greatest storylines to observe: After the Spurs snapped the Thunder’s 16-game successful streak within the NBA Cup semifinals, one factor is obvious: We’re at the start of what needs to be a heated rivalry for years to come back between these groups.
Victor Wembanyama has come off the bench in 5 consecutive video games since his return from a 12-game absence resulting from a left calf pressure. There is a good likelihood the development continues contemplating he hasn’t performed greater than 22 minutes within the 4 video games he has been again.
Along with the budding staff rivalry, pay shut consideration to the person one-on-one battle between Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Wembanyama maintains a way of humility when requested in regards to the rivalry between the Spurs and the Thunder, nevertheless it seems one thing huge is brewing between these younger, hungry groups, with Wembanyama and Holmgren standing on the forefront. — Michael C. Wright
Stat to know: As famous, when Wembanyama got here off the bench to key the Spurs’ upset win within the NBA Cup, it was simply his fifth profession matchup in opposition to Holmgren and the primary since October 2024. Wembanyama has averaged 24.4 PPG, 12.3 RPG and three.3 BPG to Holmgren’s 18.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG and 1.5 BPG, per Stathead.com. — Pelton
0:45
Wemby believes he is the most effective participant within the NBA
Victor Wembanyama says Nikola Jokic is the most effective offensive participant within the NBA, however Wemby believes he is the most effective total participant within the league.
Daring prediction: Wembanyama will rating 40 factors. No opposing participant has reached 40-plus factors in a recreation in opposition to the Thunder but this season — essentially the most in regulation is simply 32 — however Wembanyama loves an enormous stage. He had 42 factors and 18 rebounds in his Christmas debut final season in opposition to the Knicks. — Kram
Accidents: Spurs | Thunder
Fantasy nugget: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has carried fantasy groups all season. He’s averaging 53.1 fantasy factors per recreation, trailing Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic. He already has 23 video games with 30-plus factors this season, a tempo matched solely by Michael Jordan (1986-87) because the merger. — Moody
Greatest wager: Spurs +9.5 over Thunder (-115). The Spurs have confirmed they don’t seem to be intimidated by the Thunder. The Thunder are 0-2 in opposition to the Spurs this season … and 26-2 in opposition to each different staff. After defeating the Thunder within the semifinal of the NBA Cup, the Spurs backed that up with a 20-point win on Tuesday. The Thunder don’t have any reply for Wembanyama; they’ve been outscored by 34 factors within the 44 minutes he has performed of their two matchups. — Snellings
Kram’s decide: Thunder 110, Spurs 104
Pelton’s decide: Thunder 120, Spurs 108
BPI prediction: OKC, 74.1%
Matchup must-reads: The budding Spurs-Thunder rivalry that might form the West … A five-step information on find out how to beat the Thunder
4:30 p.m. ET | Netflix | DET -6 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Lions: Coach Dan Campbell’s message to the staff this week was easy: “Transfer ahead.” Regardless of struggling back-to-back losses for the primary time since 2022, Campbell is pushing the staff to be prepared “emotionally, psychologically, bodily” to complete the 2025 season sturdy. “I might like to win one in every of these vacation video games,” stated edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. “The Thanksgiving recreation nonetheless pisses me off. So, I am like, simply give me Christmas. That is type of the mentality.” — Eric Woodyard
What we’re listening to on the Vikings: The Vikings will make an effort to make sure that huge receiver Justin Jefferson eclipses 1,000 receiving yards for the season, a sentence that may appear preposterous however is in actual fact very actual. The one different season that Jefferson hasn’t been properly over 1,000 yards by Week 17 was 2023, when he missed seven video games due to a torn hamstring. However the Vikings’ struggles at quarterback, and Jefferson’s personal shocking lapses, have left him at 917 yards in 15 video games. That leaves him 83 yards quick, or a median of 41.5 yards per recreation. It’s totally doable, nevertheless it’s price noting that Jefferson has had fewer than 41 yards in 4 of his previous seven video games. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: Minnesota receivers dropped three passes within the first half of final week’s win over the Giants, which was their most in a primary half since Week 14 of 2017. The Vikings are tied with the Chiefs and Broncos for the second-most drops (26). — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Lions cornerback D.J. Reed will permit a landing to Jefferson. Since Reed returned from his hamstring harm in Week 12, he has allowed a really tough 1.9 yards per protection snap, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Walder
What’s at stake: The Vikings have already been eradicated from playoff rivalry, and the Lions might be a part of them with a loss Thursday or a Packers win Saturday. Detroit has a 7% likelihood to make the playoffs, per FPI. See Playoff Machine. — ESPN Analysis
Accidents: Lions | Vikings
1:32
Why Foxworth is not prepared to shut the window on the Lions
Domonique Foxworth and Dan Orlovsky break down what the Lions’ disappointing season means for his or her Tremendous Bowl probabilities shifting ahead.
Fantasy nugget: Lions working again Jahmyr Gibbs has been held to simply 40 whole speeding yards over the previous two video games, however he has nonetheless produced as a receiver with 14 catches, 86 receiving yards and a landing over that span. Gibbs struggled in opposition to Minnesota in Week 9, ending with simply 5.8 fantasy factors. See Week 17 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Vikings are 3-0 ATS of their previous three video games. The Lions are 1-5 ATS of their previous six video games. Learn extra. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Lions 29, Vikings 18
Moody’s decide: Lions 27, Vikings 20
Walder’s decide: Lions 31, Vikings 24
FPI prediction: DET, 68.4% (by a median of seven.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Vikings’ McCarthy out with hairline fracture in hand … NFL Week 16: What went mistaken for Lions, Bucs, Ravens, Colts?
5 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN | GS -7.5 (226.5 O/U)
Greatest storylines to observe: The Klay Thompson reunion will get loads of consideration. After 13 years and 9 Christmas video games with the Warriors, he’s making his third return journey to San Francisco to face his former staff. Thompson has been a contributor to a current Mavericks surge, averaging 11.8 factors in 21 minutes off the bench this month.
Cooper Flagg has been the headliner for the Mavericks, although. The rookie No. 1 decide will get a showcase for his debut Christmas recreation on a ground filled with legends simply as he is hitting his stride. Flagg has scoring nights of 33, 35 and 42 factors over the previous month.
On the Warriors’ aspect, it is about urgency. They’ve fringe rivalry aspirations this season however are toiling in mediocrity. This matchup is a part of a positive portion of the schedule — they should accumulate wins and make a transfer within the standings earlier than it is too late. — Anthony Slater
Stat to know: Stephen Curry has essentially the most 3-pointers for a single staff in NBA historical past, and Reggie Miller ranks second. Nevertheless it’s Thompson who ranks third, along with his 2,481 3s in 11 seasons as a Warrior. He made 16 3s on 30 makes an attempt in three video games as a customer on the Chase Middle final season. — Kram
Daring prediction: The Warriors will make at the very least 18 3-pointers. They’ve completed so 4 instances within the 5 video games they’ve performed with two days of relaxation, going 4-1 in these video games. General, the Warriors are 7-2 once they knock down at the very least 18 triples in a recreation. — Pelton
Accidents: Mavericks | Warriors
Fantasy nugget: Anthony Davis has been excellent in December, averaging 49.1 fantasy factors per recreation. He placed on a grasp class in opposition to the Pelicans on Monday night time with 35 factors and 17 rebounds. It was his forty fifth profession recreation with at the very least 35 factors and 15 rebounds, essentially the most within the league since he entered in 2012-13. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are tied for second with 31 such video games. — Moody
Greatest wager: Flagg over 20.5 factors (-107). Flagg had a sluggish begin to the season because the Mavericks tried him at level guard, however he has damaged out previously month since shifting again to his pure small ahead slot. He has been scorching of late, averaging 26.7 PPG on 52.3 FG% in his final six video games. He has scored at the very least 22 factors in 5 of these six, and 33 or extra in two of the six. — Snellings
Kram’s decide: Mavericks 113, Warriors 108
Pelton’s decide: Warriors 118, Mavericks 112
BPI prediction: GS, 72%
Matchup must-reads: The regrets and reflections in Thompson’s Warriors exit … Two Mavs make our All-Worth Crew … Inexperienced leaves Warriors’ bench after argument with Kerr
8 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN | HOU -4.5 (228.5 O/U)
Greatest storylines to observe: The Rockets have slipped within the standings with 4 losses of their previous six video games coming into Christmas week, and the Lakers have their very own issues for the time being: Los Angeles was down 4 starters in its loss to the Clippers over the weekend. So, the primary matchup between these two groups may not function both at their finest.
With Houston figuring to be an element within the West playoff image, nonetheless, it will likely be an necessary take a look at for the Lakers, irrespective of who is on the market to play.
Within the Lakers’ previous two high-leverage video games in opposition to the West’s finest, they got here out flat. The defending champion Thunder trounced them 121-92 on Nov. 12. And internet hosting the Spurs within the NBA Cup quarterfinals Dec. 10 with a visit to Las Vegas and a shot at $500,000 per participant on the road, the Spurs managed the motion in a 132-119 highway win, regardless of Wembanyama being out. — Dave McMenamin
Stat to know: LeBron James’ double-figure scoring streak ended earlier this month, however his streak of scoring at the very least 16 factors in all 19 of his historic Christmas Day appearances lives on. The following-most video games performed on Christmas whereas scoring at the very least 16 factors in all of them: Kevin Durant, who’s tied with Oscar Robertson for 12 every. James Harden (10) is the one different participant with a double-digit streak, which he will not have the chance to increase this season. — Pelton
Daring prediction: James and Durant will each rating greater than 30 factors. The 2 superstars have reached 30 in opposition to one another 15 instances throughout their Corridor of Fame careers, and with James dealing with a better offensive load resulting from accidents to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, they will accomplish that for a sixteenth time on Christmas. — Kram
Accidents: Rockets | Lakers
Fantasy nugget: Durant continues to defy time, extending his prime into his late 30s with elite shotmaking and a refined, technical recreation that constantly interprets to fantasy manufacturing. Earlier this month, he grew to become the third-fastest participant to succeed in 30,000 factors, 5,000 rebounds and 5,000 assists, trailing solely James and Michael Jordan. Durant has additionally elevated his play in opposition to James-led groups, averaging 28.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG and 4.7 APG versus James because the 2018-19 season. — Moody
Greatest wager: James over 19.5 factors (-122). After easing his means again into the lineup after a protracted harm layoff, James has quietly discovered his scoring groove within the month of December. He has scored at the very least 23 factors in 5 of the previous six video games, averaging 26.8 PPG in that span. He has been rock-solid as a scorer, no matter who has been on the ground with him. And it is a Christmas Day recreation; he has made a profession out of performing when the lights shine brightest. — Snellings
Kram’s decide: Rockets 125, Lakers 115
Pelton’s decide: Lakers 118, Rockets 114
BPI prediction: HOU, 61.5%
Matchup must-reads: LeBron vs. Father Time: How James has modified, by the numbers … Durant’s chase for a 3rd ring comes down to 2 younger stars … Redick blunt about Lakers’ effort, protection after blowout
8:15 p.m. ET | Prime Video | DEN -13.5 (36.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Broncos: Linebacker Alex Singleton may need summarized the Broncos’ to-do checklist essentially the most succinctly: “We have got two video games to go and be the No. 1 seed within the AFC.” They need to win each video games to ensure themselves the No. 1 seed and the house playoff video games that include it. And a fast bounce-back from their highly effective protection is required. They’ve by no means confronted Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun, however December video games in Arrowhead have lengthy been a problem for the Broncos. Since 1990, Denver is 3-12 in such video games. — Jeff Legwold
What we’re listening to on the Chiefs: Oladokun, the Chiefs’ third-string quarterback who was signed from Kansas Metropolis’s observe squad final week, is predicted to make his first NFL begin in opposition to the Broncos. He hopes to profit from this second. “We’ve got plenty of younger guys taking part in, nevertheless it’s an ideal expertise,” stated Oladokun, 28. “It’ll be actual worthwhile for us. It is Christmas Day. The potential of me making my first begin on Christmas Day is fairly particular. I will have household on the town. I am trying ahead to it.” — Nate Taylor
Stat to know: The Chiefs have failed to attain within the first half six instances, together with throughout final week’s blowout loss to the Titans. That is been their most in a single season since 2012 (11 video games). — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will rebound after final week’s loss to the Jaguars and end with larger than a 75 QBR. Nix has a 59 QBR, however that quantity jumps to 82 when going through the blitz. Kansas Metropolis blitzes 35% of the time, third most within the NFL. — Walder
What’s at stake: The Broncos can clinch the AFC West with a win and a Chargers loss Saturday. Denver additionally has a shot on the No. 1 seed if it wins and the Chargers, Patriots, Payments and Jaguars all lose in Week 17. See Playoff Machine. — ESPN Analysis
Accidents: Broncos | Chiefs
0:55
John Elway impressed by Bo Nix’s maturity stage
John Elway joins Wealthy Eisen and breaks down how Broncos quarterback Bo Nix’s maturity has been spectacular.
Fantasy nugget: Operating again RJ Harvey and the Broncos’ speeding assault ought to shine in opposition to a Kansas Metropolis protection that simply surrendered 31.7 fantasy factors to Titans working backs Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard. Harvey will get the advantage of working behind a Broncos offensive line that ranks fifth in run block win price. See Week 17 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: That 36.5 quantity is the bottom over/below in a Chiefs residence recreation since 2008 and tied for his or her lowest whole in any recreation previously decade. Learn extra. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Broncos 24, Chiefs 10
Moody’s decide: Broncos 23, Chiefs 13
Walder’s decide: Broncos 24, Chiefs 17
FPI prediction: DEN, 55.6% (by a median of two.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: How a random drug take a look at helped doubtlessly save Alex Singleton’s life … Chiefs conform to deal to play in dome in state of Kansas … Chiefs QB Minshew avoids ACL tear
10:30 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN | DEN -4.5 (237.5 O/U)
Greatest storylines to observe: Was the Timberwolves’ comeback over the Thunder a press release win? Minnesota had struggled all season in opposition to high quality competitors till Anthony Edwards pulled off a uncommon clutch trifecta — hitting a go-ahead 3, blocking a shot and making a steal within the ultimate minute, with the 2 defensive performs coming in opposition to reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Wolves are 3-8 in opposition to groups which are .500 or higher, however in addition they bought off to a sluggish begin final season earlier than gelling in time to make their second straight run to the Western Convention finals.
Minnesota’s 2024 convention finals look got here on the expense of Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, because the Wolves pulled off an enormous comeback in Denver to win Sport 7 of the second spherical.
The mile-high ambiance usually helps Denver have one of many league’s finest home-court benefits, however the Nuggets have been surprisingly unhealthy at Ball Area not too long ago, shedding 5 of their previous seven residence video games. — Tim MacMahon
Stat to know: Relationship again to the second spherical of the 2024 postseason, the Timberwolves had gained six consecutive video games in opposition to Denver, together with Sport 7 of that playoff collection and a double-overtime thriller final April. However the Nuggets broke that streak this season, with wins in opposition to Minnesota in October and November. — Kram
Daring prediction: Edwards will lead all gamers throughout all video games in scoring on Christmas Day. Denver is with out its two finest defensive choices in opposition to him: Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon, each sidelined by harm. And although the Nuggets produce other decisions, with Bruce Brown, Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson all prone to spend time defending Edwards, they do not have as a lot expertise containing him one-on-one. — Pelton
Accidents: Timberwolves | Nuggets
Fantasy nugget: Edwards is averaging a career-high 28.3 PPG, fueled by an enlargement in his offensive recreation. He has change into far more practical working out of the submit, constantly punishing smaller defenders and turning mismatches into simple offense. That added dimension has elevated him into the league’s high tier of scorers. — Moody
Greatest wager: Jamal Murray over 31.5 whole factors + assists (-106). Murray has stepped up his manufacturing in a significant means previously month, notably after starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun went down with accidents. In his final 9 video games, he has averaged 29.0 PPG and seven.1 APG (36.1 P+A) whereas going over the 31.5 line in seven of the 9 (and 4 of the final 5) video games total. He additionally went over 31.5 P+A in each video games in opposition to the Timberwolves this season, dropping 23 factors and 12 assists on Nov. 15 after scoring 43 factors with 3 assists on October 27. — Snellings
Kram’s decide: Nuggets 120, Timberwolves 112
Pelton’s decide: Timberwolves 116, Nuggets 111
BPI prediction: DEN, 59.9%
Matchup must-reads: Seeking the true Jokic … Jokic breaks Kareem’s document for profession assists by heart
