NBA Christmas Day Games 2022: Time, Channel and How to Watch

By Brian Jones

Christmas is here and that means it's time for one of the NBA's biggest events of the season. On Christmas Day, the league will have five games that will all air on ABC and ESPN. This will be the 75th season that NBA games will be played on ESPN and the 15th year in a row that five games will be played the day. History will be made as well as this will be the first time all five games will air on ABC and ESPN. 

One player to watch is LeBron James who will be playing in his 17th Christmas Day game, the most in NBA history. James is also the career Christmas Day leader in points (422), field goals made (150) and three-pointers made (28).  The record for most points scored on a Christmas Day game is Benard King when he scored 60 points in 1984 for the New Jersey Nets.

Every NBA team has played in one Christmas Day game except for one — the Charlotte Hornets. There is no rhyme or reason for why the Hornets have never played on the holiday, especially during the 1990s when they were consistently reaching the playoffs. But they will definitely be watching all 10 teams in action this year. 

Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks

Los Angeles Clippers v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo:

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 23: Joel Embiid #21 and James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers speak during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Wells Fargo Center on December 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

- Timothy Nwachukwu / Getty Images)

12 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN

Both the 76ers and Knicks are having solid seasons and would make the playoffs if they started today. Joel Embiid is having an MVP-type season for the 76ers, averaging 33 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks

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(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

2:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN

The Lakers and Mavericks are struggling this season, but star power is not an issue. LeBron James is having a LeBron James-type season for the Lakers as he's averaging 27.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics

Indiana Pacers v Boston Celtics
(Photo:

BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 21: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics walks off the court after their loss to the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on December 21, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

- Winslow Townson / Getty Images)

5 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN

The Bucks, the 2021 NBA Champions, will take on the Celtics who might be the best team in the NBA. Jayson Tatum has been playing outstanding basketball for the Celtics, scoring 30.5 points and pulling down 8.1 rebounds per game.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors

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(Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images)

8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN

The Grizzlies are tied with the Denver Nuggets for the best record in the Western Conference. The Warriors have a losing record despite winning the NBA title last season.

Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets

Charlotte Hornets v Denver Nuggets
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Nick Richards #4 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Ball Arena on December 18, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement

- Justin Tafoya / Getty Images)

10:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN

This could be a preview of this year's Western Conference Finals. Nuggets star Nikola Jokić has won the NBA MVP award the last two seasons and is in the running to win it again as he's averaging 24.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game.

Player to Watch

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(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LeBron James

James is playing in his 17th Christmas game and is looking to win on Christmas Day for the 11th time in his career. That would be the most wins for any player on the holiday. James is also looking to lead the Lakers to their 25th Christmas Day win.

Making Christmas Debut

Memphis Grizzlies v Phoenix Suns
(Photo:

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies helps up Brandon Clarke #15 after Clarke scored and drew a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 125-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

- / Getty Images)

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies will be playing on Christmas for the first time in their history. The team was founded in 1995 and started playing in Vancouver. The Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001 and are coming off a strong 2021-22 season, winning their first-ever division title.

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