The NBA is back with another full slate of Christmas Day games — and yes, the Knicks are once again part of the holiday tradition.
New York will host Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden, kicking off a Christmas Day that will feature four other games. The Knicks have been a staple of the league's Dec. 25 schedule for decades, and they have been part of some of the most memorable games on that date.
But why does the NBA consistently choose the Knicks to participate in one of the league's marquee events?
MORE: What are the best Christmas Day games in NBA history?
Why do the Knicks always play on Christmas Day?
The Knicks played during the first edition of the NBA on Christmas Day, defeating the Providence Steamrollers in 1947. Because New York helped start the tradition, it's only natural that the league would include the team in its holiday plans.
From a viewership perspective, the Knicks make sense as a Christmas Day team because of their massive fanbase. Despite its struggles in recent years, New York is still one of the most popular and valuable franchises in the NBA.
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How many games have the Knicks played on Christmas Day?
The Knicks have played 54 games on Christmas Day, the most ever for any team on that date. They have compiled a record of 23-31.
Hall of Fame forward Bernard King delivered the best Dec. 25 performance in Knicks history in 1984, scoring a Christmas Day-record 60 points in a loss to the New Jersey Nets.
What channel is 76ers vs. Knicks on?
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 25
- Time: Noon ET
- TV channel: ABC | ESPN
- Live streaming: Sling TV
This year will mark the 13th time the Knicks and 76ers have met on Dec. 25, making it the most common Christmas Day matchup. The game will air on ABC and ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange for $40/month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $51/month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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NBA Christmas Day schedule 2022
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| 76ers vs. Knicks | Noon | ABC/ESPN |
| Lakers vs. Mavericks | 2:30 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Bucks vs. Celtics | 5 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Grizzlies vs. Warriors | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Suns vs. Nuggets | 10:30 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
