It’s the most Wemby-ful time of the year…
The Spurs streak into Christmas week with two matchups against OKC up next: tomorrow on League Pass (8:30 ET) and Christmas Day on ABC & ESPN (2:30 ET).
Jump into today’s edition for a league-wide heat check ahead of holiday hoops.
5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀
What’s Trending – Holiday Hoops: What you need to know for Thursday’s NBA on Christmas Day
What’s Trending – Rivalry Rematch: Spurs & Thunder collide amid a stacked 14-game Tuesday
What’s Trending – Shining Stars: Kia MVP Ladder risers and surging rooks making noise
Sunday Heat: Brunson drops 47, Spurs stay winning and the highest-scoring game of the season
Sunday Roundup: Schröder wins it in OT, Ant & Wolves howl, MPJ leads Nets
BUT FIRST … ⏰
Seven games tip off Monday, headlined by a Peacock doubleheader as the Hornets face the Cavs (7 ET), before the Thunder host the Grizzlies (9:30 ET).
3 Days ‘Til Xmas: On the third game of Christmas… Cooper Flagg is set to become the youngest player to play on the holiday since LeBron James in 2003, as he, Klay Thompson and the Mavs visit Steph Curry’s Warriors.
Check out the full NBA on Christmas Day slate here, and see Section 1 for everything you need to know. ⬇️
Cast Your All-Star Ballot: Fans can vote for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters every day through Jan. 14 using their NBA ID. Make it count, vote now.
Get your first look at our Steph Curry feature, “Shot Ready,” a new short-form film reflecting on the moments and people that shaped Curry’s journey. The full piece will premiere on Wednesday, Christmas Eve, on the NBA App and NBA TV at 8 p.m. ET.
1. WHAT’S TRENDING: NBA CHRISTMAS WEEK IS HERE
Last year delivered the closest NBA on Christmas Day ever, with five games decided by an average of five points – and a string of unforgettable moments.
This year has the makings of another Christmas classic: an East duel at MSG, a Spurs-Thunder rivalry rematch, Coop & Klay against Steph in the Bay, LeBron vs. KD and a Nuggets-Wolves nightcap.
Before taking a deeper dive into each matchup later this week, let’s unbox the key storylines across Thursday’s slate on ABC & ESPN.
Cavaliers at Knicks (12 ET): Nine days after winning the Emirates NBA Cup in Vegas, Jalen Brunson and the red-hot Knicks open Christmas against Donovan Mitchell’s Cavs at MSG, where New York is 14-2 this season.
- JB’s MVP Push: The Knicks have won 11 of their last 13 games, with Brunson averaging 29.8 points and 6.4 assists in that span, climbing to 4th on the Kia MVP Ladder, while taking home the NBA Cup MVP
- Dunk The Halls: The game will also feature an alternate “Dunk the Halls” broadcast on ESPN2 and partnering networks, teaming up with Disney for a real-time, animated special featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and more
Spurs at Thunder (2:30 ET): After an instant classic in the NBA Cup Semifinals, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs run it back against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder – this time on Christmas Day in a highly-anticipated rivalry rematch.
- Wemby’s World: Wemby has dazzled in his return from injury, posting gaudy numbers in limited minutes (19.3 pts, 10.3 reb, 2.5 blk in 20.2 min), while extending his block streak to 101 straight games on Sunday
- Speaking of streaks, SGA will aim for his 100th straight 20-piece tonight against the Grizzlies on Peacock (9:30 ET)
- Shai & Stops: Trailing only Luka Dončić in scoring, SGA (32.5 ppg) has been the driving force for OKC offensively. The Thunder also boasts the league’s top DefRtg, leading to an NBA-best 25-3 record
- Round 2 Tuesday: Before the Christmas Day duel, San Antonio and OKC will offer fans an early holiday gift as they meet tomorrow night in Texas (8:30 ET, League Pass)
Mavericks at Warriors (5 ET): Cooper Flagg’s month-plus tear has jolted him to No. 1 on the Kia Rookie Ladder, highlighted by a career-high 42 points last Monday. Now, he’ll take center stage on Christmas Day as the Mavs visit Steph Curry’s Dubs.
- Flagg Rising: Flagg, who turned 19 on Sunday, has averaged a team-best 21.5 ppg since Nov. 11, and ranks 4th in total clutch points this season
- Curry Flurries: Steph is also heating up, averaging 32.5 ppg since returning from injury on Dec. 12, including a 48-point outburst two Sundays ago
- Klay Back In The Bay: On the other side will be his former Splash Brother, Thompson, who averaged 20.7 ppg in three outings in San Francisco last season
Rockets at Lakers (8 ET): LeBron and Kevin Durant have clashed on Christmas Day four times before, most notably in 2016, when they delivered an all-time Christmas Day duel. Nearly a decade later, they’ll meet again on the holiday stage, surging alongside fellow co-stars.
- King Clicking: James has found his stride, with three straight 25+ point games, including a season-best 36 on Saturday against the Clippers
- Luka Magic: Luka Dončić continues to shred defenses, averaging an NBA-best 34.1 ppg, along with 8.8 dimes. However, he exited Saturday’s game with a leg contusion
- Rocket Fuel: Coming off another milestone night, Durant has turned up in December (26.5 ppg, 51.1% from 3), while Alperen Sengun’s career year continues (23.2 pts, 6.9 ast)
Wolves at Nuggets (10:30 ET): Ranked No. 1 on the MVP ladder, Nikola Jokić ranks top-5 in points (5th), rebounds (3rd) and assists (1st) per game, powering Denver to a 6-2 record in December, which included a six-game heater.
On Thursday, the Nuggets will wrap up NBA Christmas against a red-hot Anthony Edwards and the rival Wolves.
- 2 Stars, 2 Styles: While Jokić is averaging a triple-double (29.4 pts, 12.1 reb, 10.7 ast), Edwards is posting career-highs in points (28.3) and 3-point percentage (40.4%)
- Head of the Pack: Ant is pouring in 31.5 ppg on 51.8/44.4 shooting splits in his last 11 outings, including four 40-pieces
2. WHAT’S TRENDING: THUNDER-SPURS & A MONSTER 14-GAME TUESDAY
There’s an adage in history that when a rising force meets an established power, tension often follows.
That dynamic now lives in the Western Conference, where the 2nd-place Spurs are gaining on the defending champion Thunder.
And this week – after an epic NBA Cup Semifinals bout – the rivalry ramps up, with the two sides meeting not only on Christmas, but also Tuesday, headlining a 14-game slate.
Thunder at Spurs (Tuesday, 8:30 ET, LP): OKC has dropped just three games all season, but two have come in its last three, beginning with San Antonio snapping its franchise-best 16-game win streak – adding extra weight to Tuesday’s rematch.
- Storming: The Thunder are on track to break their own all-time single-season point differential record, posting an absurd +16.1 average margin of victory
- Swarming: OKC also owns an NBA-best 103.2 DefRtg – 6.5 points better than the next closest team (DET). That’s a bigger gap than the 2nd- and 19th-rated defensive team (IND)
- Speeding: San Antonio attacked that defense, not just through Wemby, but also its blossoming backcourt of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper
- Surging: Fox (22.5) and Castle (20.3) have combined for 42.8 ppg across San Antonio’s last 15 outings, while Harper has flashed – guiding the Spurs to a 12-3 record in that span
- The only team with more wins in their last 15? The Thunder
Two more matchups headline tomorrow’s 14-game slate, as NBC’s Coast 2 Coast Tuesday pits Nikola Jokić against Cooper Flagg, before two top-10 all-time scorers go head-to-head in Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Nuggets at Mavericks (Tuesday, 8 ET): Jokić added two more triple-doubles last week, pushing his NBA-best total to 13, while Flagg’s all-around impact continues to pop, ranking top-3 among rookies in total points, rebounds and assists.
- Denver Duo: As Jokić orchestrates at an MVP-level, Jamal Murray has leveled up – posting 29 ppg amid Denver’s 6-1 run while shooting 55.6% from 3
Rockets at Clippers (Tuesday, 8:30 PT): Denver’s one loss in that stretch came to Houston, which looks to beat LA tomorrow for the second time in 11 days following Amen Thompson’s last-minute game-winner on Dec. 11.
Tonight: Along with Peacock’s doubleheader, six games get underway on League Pass, including two interconference duels: Magic-Warriors and Pistons-Blazers.
3. WHAT’S TRENDING: MORE SHINING STARS & RED-HOT ROOKS
As 2025 winds down, the league’s brightest stars – and newest faces – are making noise.
Kia MVP Watch: For the fifth straight week, Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić own the top-3 spots on the Kia MVP Ladder, respectively. But more stars are on the rise.
- Brunson Sizzling: Two weeks ago, Brunson ranked 10th on the MVP Ladder. Last week, sixth. Now, he’s up to No. 4, following his Cup MVP run with a game-winner Thursday vs. Indy and a Sunday outburst
- Cade Cooking: After a career year in 2024-25, Cade Cunningham (No. 5 on MVP Ladder) has been even better across the board this season (27 pts, 6.4 reb, 9.2 ast), fueling Detroit to an East-best 22-6 record
- JB & Sengun: Jaylen Brown (No. 7) has thrived as a No. 1 option, powering Boston to third in the East at 17-11, while Alperen Sengun (No. 8) continues to flourish for Houston
- Look Out: Now above Brown and Sengun at No. 6? Wemby
Rolling Rooks: The league’s newest class has wasted no time making a splash, led by former Duke teammates Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel atop the Kia Rookie Ladder – with more names on the rise.
- Konomatic: Knueppel’s 99 triples trail only Donovan Mitchell (105) for the most in the NBA, and are tied with Steph Curry. He’s doing it at a 40.9% clip – higher than both Mitchell (38.3%) and Steph (40.2%)
- Bayou Boost: Fellow Lottery picks Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears continue to dazzle for NOLA, helping spark an active four-game win streak
- Go VJ: Philly’s VJ Edgecombe has also turned up, tallying four straight 20-pieces, including 26 in Saturday’s win over Dallas
4. SUNDAY HEAT: BRUNSON POPS OFF, BULLS ERUPT, SPURS EXTEND STREAK
Last Tuesday, Jalen Brunson earned the Emirates NBA Cup MVP. Last Thursday, he splashed a game-winner.
Last night, he dropped a Madison Square Garden career-high.
Knicks 132, Heat 125: Brunson went off for a season-best 47 points, going 15-of-26 from the floor while splashing 6 treys and adding 8 dimes as New York outpaced Kel’el Ware (28 pts, 19 reb) and Miami at MSG for its 11th win in 13 games. | Recap
- Royal Company: It’s Brunson’s eighth career 45+ point game as a Knick, tying Bernard King for the most in franchise history
- NYC Surge: New York ranks 3rd in OffRtg and 2nd in NetRtg amid its 11-2 stretch, and is now two games back of Detroit for 1st place in the East
Forty-seven not enough points? Try 302.
Bulls 152, Hawks 150: In the highest-scoring game this season, Jalen Johnson (36 pts, 11 reb, 9 ast) and Trae Young (35 pts, 9 ast, 7 3s) put on an offensive clinic for Atlanta.
But Chicago got the dub thanks to nine double-digit scorers, led by Matas Buzelis (28 pts, 7 3s), Coby White (21 pts) and Josh Giddey (19 pts, 9 reb, 12 ast), who helped stave off a late Hawks push. | Recap
- Back & Forth Buckets: Atlanta (32) and Chicago (20) combined for 43 triples, but despite the 302 total points, no team ever led by more than 11
- Soaring Hawk: Johnson is averaging 27.7 pts, 12.3 reb and 10.2 ast in his last 10 games, with five triple-doubles in that span
Meanwhile, the Spurs kept cooking.
Spurs 124, Wizards 113: De’Aaron Fox stuffed the stat sheet (27 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast), Victor Wembanyama added a double-double in 22 minutes (14 pts, 12 reb) and Luke Kornet posted another (20 pts, 12 reb) as San Antonio tallied its sixth straight W. | Recap
- Streaking: The Spurs have the longest active win streak in the NBA, with San Antonio ranking 2nd in scoring in that span and 3rd in DefRtg since Wemby’s return on Dec. 13
5. ROUNDUP: ANT LEADS WOLVES, SCHRÖDER WINS IT, NETS DUB
On Friday, Anthony Edwards took over in the final minute to top OKC.
Two nights later, he took some ankles in another Wolves win.
Wolves 103, Bucks 100: Edwards (24 pts, 6 ast) added another must-see bucket to his career mixtape as the Wolves erased a 16-point deficit with a 20-2 3rd-quarter run, storming past the Bucks for their fourth dub in five games. | Recap
In passing Houston for 5th out West, Minnesota got some help in Sunday’s nightcap – from one corner to another.
Kings 125, Rockets 124 (OT): Trailing by as many as 14, Sacramento willed its way back, with Russell Westbrook hitting a game-tying corner 3 with 13 seconds left to force OT.
Five minutes later – with 2.2 ticks left in the extra frame – Dennis Schröder nailed a go-ahead triple from the other corner, as Sacramento knocked off Houston despite another big night from Kevin Durant (24 pts, 10 reb, 8 ast) and Alperen Sengun (28 pts, 6 reb). | Recap
- King-Sized Combo: Schröder (24 pts, 7 reb, 10 ast) and Westbrook (21 pts, 13 reb) were everywhere, while DeMar DeRozan (27 pts, 9 ast) and Keegan Murray (26 pts) added 20-pieces
- Snapped: The win halts a six-game slide for Sacramento, while Houston moves to 17-9 and 6th out West
- KD’s Milestone: Despite the loss, Durant reached 5,000 career assists. He is the third-fastest player to notch 30k pts, 5k reb and 5k ast, doing so in 1,147 games — trailing only MJ (960) and LeBron (1,107)
Nets 96, Raptors 81: Averaging 29.6 ppg in December, Michael Porter Jr. stayed hot with 24 points, 11 boards and 5 assists as Brooklyn pulled away late to top Immanuel Quickley (17 pts, 10 ast) and Toronto. | Recap
