The Knicks and Lakers almost always find their way onto the slate, which makes sense given the size of the New York and Los Angeles media markets. The teams coming off runs to the NBA Finals typically get a Christmas invite, so hello, Boston and Dallas. The rest is a mix of stars, ratings potential, storylines and, hopefully, good teams.

The Christmas Day slate, which includes a matchup between LeBron James's Los Angeles Lakers and Steph Curry's Golden State Warriors, will tip off at 12 p.m. ET with a clash between the San Antonio Spurs (15–13) and the New York Knicks (18–10).

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard bring the star power that the NBA likes to showcase on its annual Christmas Day schedule. But they won't be playing this Christmas. And Bucks players, including Antetokounmpo,