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Celtics-Bucks, Warriors-Suns, Mavericks-Jazz on NBA Christmas schedule

Stephen Curry and Devin Booker in Phoenix Suns v Golden State Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 11: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles as Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game on May 11, 2021 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

Nets-Lakers and Hawks-Knicks leaked first as Christmas games.

Now, we know the full Dec. 25 NBA schedule (Eastern):


  • Noon: Hawks at Knicks
  • 2:30 p.m.: Celtics at Bucks
  • 5 p.m.: Warriors at Suns
  • 8 p.m.: Nets at Lakers
  • 10:30 p.m.: Mavericks at Jazz

The 76ers are a somewhat surprising omission. They had the East’s best record last season. Unlike the other top teams not to get a Christmas game – Clippers (Kawhi Leonard injured) and Nuggets (Jamal Murray injured) – Philadelphia returns relatively intact. Though Ben Simmons trade talks obviously still loom.

Instead, that spot seemingly goes to Boston, which lost Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier and Tristan Thompson. The Celtics still have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as centerpieces, but there’s apparently plenty of hope within the league office Al Horford, Dennis Schroder, Josh Richardson and internal development will add punch.

As defending champion, Milwaukee will of course host a game. The Bucks – like the Warriors – also play opening night.

Phoenix became the team to outlast an at-all-healthy Golden State and win the West since 2014.

Utah had the NBA’s best record last season and returns even stronger. Luka Doncic was of course getting included, too.