How to Watch the NBA on Christmas Day 2023?
Christmas is just two months away, and most people have undoubtedly started planning. Enjoyment, gifts, activities, and traveling are integral parts of this time. But, if you want to celebrate the day in some other way, then why not watch the NBA games? Yes, you heard it right!
The National Basketball Association, or NBA, has released the schedule for its 78th regular season, which will commence on 24 October 2023 and conclude on 14 April 2024. Different channels, like ABC, NBA TV, ESPN Radio, ESPN, and TNT, are also displaying their broadcast schedules.
On 25th December, the NBA has five games scheduled. So, if you are interested in them and want to watch the NBA on 25th December 2023, here are the three options.
1. Go for Streaming Services
For watching the NBA games, opt for streaming services, like ESPN and ABC, without a doubt. While the former will show all five matches, the latter will display only 2. Having these channels is imperative if you want to watch the games with the help of satellite or cable.
But, if you lack a satellite or cable connection, pick online streaming services that carry ESPN and ABC. For example, YouTube UTV, FuboTV, and NBA.com provide live NBA scores online. So, depending on them for all live updates about the NBA games is better.
2. TV Packages Are Great Options
Remember that all five matches will air on ESPN, and with most NBA games having access to this channel, there’s nothing to worry about. However, Sling TV would be the best for those looking for an affordable TV package with a swift sign-up procedure. Its Sling Orange Plan is the most affordable way to get ESPN and other national NBA channels, such as ESON2, TBS, and TNT. Sling TV also offers NBA TV through its Sports Extra add-on.
Besides this, you can opt for:
- DirectTV
- Cox
- Dish
- Optimum
- Hulu+Live TV
- Sling TV
- Philo
- Video
- Spectrum
- Xfinity
3. Watch NBA Games on 25th December for Free
Now, most streaming services provide free trials. Thus, basketball lovers can stream NBA Christmas Day games for free. YouTube TV and FuboTV generally provide trials that last a minimum of seven days, so you can activate one on Christmas Day and later cancel the same without spending any money.
FuboTV offers around 230 channels for NBA games, including ESPN and ABC. Then there’s DirectTV Stream with both ESPN and ABC in its huge channel lineup. This streaming platform offers a 5-day free trial that users can use to watch NBA Christmas Day games for free online.
Another reliable way to watch Christmas Day NBA games is to use an over-the-air antenna or OTA to pick up ABC. But this is not entirely free, as you need to pay a particular amount for the antenna. However, once the antenna is connected to your television, freely access all the local channels within range, including FOX, NBC, and CBS.
Schedule of Christmas Day NBA Games in 2023
Now that you know how to watch NBA games, knowing the schedule is also necessary, right? On December 25, the 1st match of the 78th edition of the NBA will begin in New York at noon. Here, the Milwaukee Bucks will play against the New York Knicks. The 2022 NBA Champion Warriors will face the 2023 NBA champion Nuggets in the next game at 2:30 on Eastern Time.
At 5 pm Eastern Time, other games will start, where longtime rival team, the Los Angeles Lakers, will play against the Boston Celtics. This will happen for the first time in 15 years. This day will conclude with a couple of more games at 8 pm and 10.30 pm Eastern Time. The Philadelphia 76ers will visit the Heat in Miami in the first game, but in the second, the Dallas Mavericks will take over the Suns in Phoenix.
The Commencement of NBA Christmas Day Games
For the uninitiated, the Christmas Day games started as an NBA tradition in its second season in 1947, and in 2008, the schedule of the games increased to five games. Going by the initial reports, in 2023, there will be no shortage of star power, with 9 of the 10 teams that played on Christmas Day 2022 being included in 2023.
It’s just the Miami Heat replacing the Memphis Grizzlies this year. Players that NBA enthusiasts are looking for some great gameplay this year include Lebron James, Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Kyrie Irving.
Conclusion
Once you finish the Christmas Eve celebrations, sit back and watch the NBA Christmas Day games on ESPN and ABC. Since both channels are teaming up to present all five games scheduled on December 25, you need not worry about getting the most expensive TV package or streaming service to tune in.
Some excellent options are available for streaming the games without breaking the bank during the holiday season. You can even watch the games with a simple OTA antenna that offers you access to local channels, such as ABC, without paying a monthly TV bill.
