Christmas time brings us many NBA games. Lets see best 3 best NBA betting bets today!
1. Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks (Noon ET — ABC/ESPN)
Odds:
- Knicks -2.5
- Total ~229.5 points
- Knicks moneyline favored
- Cavaliers +2.5 underdog with ~+120 ML available according to some sportsbooks. BET105
Why This Is Great
This game is the official tip-off of Christmas Day NBA action and also one of the most intriguing storylines of the slate:
- First Christmas meeting ever between the Cavaliers and Knicks — Cleveland hasn’t played on Christmas since 2017.
- Both teams feature top-tier scorers: Donovan Mitchell for the Cavs and Jalen Brunson for the Knicks. Early season form has Brunson among league scoring leaders, with Mitchell not far behind.
- New Yorkers get the home crowd at Madison Square Garden, which historically boosts performance in marquee national games.
Preview & Prediction
Offensively, both squads can score in bunches — which aligns with the higher point total (~229.5). The Knicks being favored reflects both home court and current momentum, but Cleveland’s hunger to show it can contend in the East makes this a balanced and exciting opener.
Prediction: Knicks win a close, high-pace affair — but expect Mitchell to keep it competitive deep into the 4th quarter.
Betting Angles
- Over/Under 229.5: Both teams score efficiently at home and on the road — consider the over if both starters are in.
- Spread lean: Slight Knicks edge at home, but Cavaliers ATS value if they keep pace.
2. Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors (5:00 PM ET — ABC/ESPN)
Odds (FanDuel / Sportsbook Review):
- Warriors -4.5
- Total ~226.5
- Warriors favored at home in San Francisco.
Why This Is a Christmas Must-Watch
This game has star power, intrigue, and future storylines:
Cooper Flagg — the elite rookie phenom — becomes the youngest player to appear on Christmas since LeBron James in 2003.
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson — returning Christmas mainstays ready to lead Golden State’s attack.
Dallas’ offensive talent — even if underdogs, Luka Dončić (now with the Lakers per some reporting) and other Mavericks scorers always make this a potential shootout.
Preview & Prediction
The Warriors’ home holiday advantage and scoring depth give them the edge. Their ball movement and 3-point shooting often thrive in national spotlight games. In contrast, Dallas — a team that’s shown resilience but inconsistent defense — will need peak performance, particularly on the glass and perimeter defense, to stay in this.
Expect an up-tempo game that could see the total hit the 220s. While Warriors are favored, Mavericks keeping it close or covering the spread is plausible given their sudden offensive bursts.
Prediction: Warriors pull away late — 226.5 total should be competitive with plenty of back-and-forth scoring. xBET
Betting Angles
- Warriors ATS: Favored but vulnerable if Dallas hits early 3s and shares the ball well.
- Total ~226.5: Lean over if both teams hit early rhythm — defense can lag in holiday games.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets (10:30 PM ET — ABC/ESPN)
Odds (FanDuel/Covers):
- Nuggets -4.5
- Total ~230.5
- Nuggets favored at home late night.
Christmas Nightcap Spotlight
This is the late marquee game and one of the more competitive Western Conference matchups on the slate:
- Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota with elite scoring and athleticism — his Christmas Day performance last year was a highlight of the holiday slate.
- Nikola Jokić, a multi-time MVP, has dominated Denver’s offense and remains one of the most dangerous players in the league.
- This is the first Christmas meeting for Wolves and Nuggets, with Denver having historical Christmas experience.
Preview & Prediction
The key storyline here is whether Minnesota’s explosive backcourt can match Denver’s efficiency inside and tempo control. Jokić and Murray provide consistent scoring, plus Denver’s home crowd environment serves as a late-night advantage.
Prediction: Nuggets edge out the Timberwolves in a high-scoring contest — total ~230.5 implies both offense punch but defensive washes.
Betting Angles
- Nuggets ATS / ML: Slight edge at home.
- Over 230.5: Both teams capable of pushing pace — attractive for high-scoring bettors. BetOnline
Honorable Mentions (Not in Top 3 but Still Worth Watching)
Rockets @ Lakers (8:00 PM ET)
- Lakers favored ~-1.5 with total ~223.5.
- Features Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James — headliner storyline with yearly viewers — but injuries and consistency concerns might keep this slightly below the three games above.
Spurs @ Thunder (2:30 PM ET)
- Thunder favored ~-9.5 in early odds. BetUs
- Great rivalry watch, but spread suggests less competitive in betting terms.
Overall Christmas 2025 Betting Quick Takeaways
Knicks vs. Cavs — excellent defensive vs. offensive balance, ideal for points markets.
Mavs vs. Warriors — star power + rookie intrigue = big viewership and spread/totals action.
Wolves vs. Nuggets — high scoring + MVP duel in the finale.
Totals look high across the board due to back-and-forth pace and marquee teams playing freer offenses under national spotlight.
Final Notes
The NBA Christmas Day has become as important as any spotlight stage outside the playoffs — a true holiday event. In 2025, the slate combines youth and experience, MVP talent, and rivalry history.
Whether you’re betting the spread, total or just enjoying the holiday hoops, these games promise a star-studded experience from noon through late night. Enjoy the basketball and the holiday spirit!