The final game of the NBA Christmas Day slate was the best. The host Denver Nuggets outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 in overtime, thanks to another brilliant performance by Nikola Jokic.

The three-time MVP scored 56 points, pulled down 16 rebounds and dished out 15 assists. Jamal Murray added 35 points for Denver.

Their efforts helped Denver overcome another superstar performance from Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards. The No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft forced overtime with a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds to go and finished with 44 points. He was ejected in overtime, however, with 20.5 seconds remaining.

Julius Randle pitched in 32 points and Jaden McDaniels had 21 for Minnesota.

Nikola Jokic stats

Minutes: 43
Points: 56
FG: 15-for-21 (4-for-6 from 3)
FT: 22-for-23
Rebounds: 16
Assists: 15
Turnovers: 5
Steals: 0
Blocks: 2
Fouls: 2

Anthony Edwards stats

Minutes: 42
Points: 44
FG: 14-for-25 (5-for-14 from 3)
FT: 11-for-13
Rebounds: 6
Assists: 3
Turnovers: 6
Steals: 3
Blocks: 0
Fouls: 1

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets highlights

What time is Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Christmas game today?

The Denver Nuggets will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in one of five NBA on Christmas games on Thursday, Dec. 25. The game will take place at Ball Arena in Denver at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Timberwolves vs. Nuggets NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.

Date: Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. MT)
Location: Ball Arena (Denver)
TV: ABC, ESPN
Stream: Fubo

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets odds

The Denver Nuggets are favored to beat the Minnesota Timberwovles, according to DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.

Line: Nuggets -2.5
Over/under: 239.5

Nuggets lose Cameron Johnson for 4-6 weeks

The Denver Nuggets will be without one of their best players, forward Cameron Johnson, for the next 4-6 weeks after the former Brooklyn Net suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended right knee during a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 23.

Johnson’s injury adds another name to an increasingly long list of Denver starters sidelined with injuries. Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have each been out since November.

Johnson was averaging 11.7 points per game and over 30 minutes played for the Nuggets before going down with the injury.

Christmas was not kind to the Los Angeles Lakers, who dropped their third game in a row after the Houston Rockets scored 119-96 road victory.

Third-year pro Amen Thompson led the way for Houston with 26 points. Kevin Durant was right behind him with 25. All three of the Rockets’ other starters also scored in double figures as the team shot 53% from the field.

Houston dominated the boards, outrebounding the Lakers 48-25.

Luka Doncic was Los Angeles’ leading scorer with 25 points. LeBron James had 18 points.

Rockets vs. Lakers highlights

END Q3: Rockets 92, Lakers 74

With Austin Reaves out, the Lakers are struggling to keep pace with Houston’s high-octane offense. The Rockets have extended their 12-point halftime lead to 18 points.

Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant have combined for 43 points.

Austin Reaves exits

Reaves has officially been ruled out of the remainder of Thursday night’s game against the Houston Rockets with left calf soreness. Reaves finished the night with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. He played 15 minutes.

Reaves returned from a three-game absence to help the Lakers play the Suns on Tuesday, Dec. 23 after dealing with a calf injury.

1st Half stats

Houston Rockets

Field Goals: 25/43 (58.1%)
3-pointers: 5/10 (50%)
Rebounds: 22
Blocks: 1
Turnovers: 8

Los Angeles Lakers

Field Goals: 20/38 (52.6%)
3-pointers: 6/19 (31.6%)
Rebounds: 15
Blocks: 2
Turnovers: 10

END Q2: Rockets 63, Lakers 53

The Rockets and Lakers were locked in a dead heat after the first quarter, now after 24, Los Angeles has gained two points on their Texas foes.

Much of the Lakers’ scoring in the second quarter came from Luka Doncic, who tallied just four points in the first, but now leads the Lakers in scoring with 15 after 24 minutes.

Still, despite the burst from the Slovenian, both Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant have scored more, leading the game with 16 points apiece for Houston.

Lakers storming back

A Jared Vanderbilt 3-pointer has Los Angeles within four points, trailing 48-44.

After falling behind big early, it seemed like the Lakers would get blown out, slowly watching their deficit grow against a deeper Houston squad. However, Los Angeles has hit a stretch of stellar shooting, allowing it to claw back even as it struggles on the glass. Houston still leads, but L.A. isn’t going down easy.

End Q1: Rockets 37, Lakers 25

After a very slow start, the Lakers started to find their footing, but it wasn’t enough to catch the Rockets. The Lakers have long been considered a team with a strong offense, but a weak defense, and that was on full display in the first quarter. Houston is shooting a stellar 62.5% from the field thus far, including 4/7 from three-point range.

Rockets getting everyone involved

Less than halfway through the first quarter, the Rockets have burst out to a 10-point lead. Shockingly, it hasn’t been just one Rocket with the hot hand, though. No, the Rockets have been a textbook definition of team basketball with each of their starters already tallying a bucket. Houston leads 18-8.

Lakers starting lineup

The Los Angeles Lakers will start LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and Deandre Ayton. The Lakers have a 4-2 record this season with this starting lineup.

Rockets starting lineup

The Houston Rockets will start Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun against the Lakers.

This is the first game of the season the Rockets will play with this starting lineup.

Lakers injury news

Both Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent will be out for Thursday’s game. Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura are both labeled as questionable for the showdown.

Doncic is dealing with a leg issue. He missed the Lakers’ last game against the Phoenix Suns. Hachimura, meanwhile, has a groin injury, and also missed the game against Phoenix due to the injury as well as the game prior on Dec. 20 against the Clippers.

Rockets injury news

The Rockets have two questionable players for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers — center Alperen Sengun and forward Jae’Sean Tate.

Sengun is dealing with left calf tightness. He has not missed a game since Houston’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 6.

Tate, meanwhile, is struggling with a bruise on his left wrist. Tate participated in the Rockets’ most recent game, playing nearly 14 minutes in Houston’s loss to the Clippers. However, he has missed four of the Rockets’ last six games.

What time is Rockets vs. Lakers Christmas game today?

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Houston Rockets in one of five NBA on Christmas games on Thursday, Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The game will take place at Crypto.com in Los Angeles.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Rockets vs. Lakers NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.

Date: Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
Location: Crypto.com (Los Angeles, California)
TV: ABC, ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo

Rockets vs. Lakers odds

The Houston Rockets are favored to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, according to DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.

Line: Rockets -2.5
Over/under: 230.5

Amazon MGM Studios used the platform of the Denver Broncos-Kansas City Chiefs game, airing on Prime Video on Christmas night, to share a teaser trailer for its 2026 movie chronicling the life of John Madden.

The teaser said the movie, currently titled ‘Madden,’ is set to be released Thanksgiving 2026.

Nicolas Cage is playing Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned legendary broadcaster turned video game icon. Christian Bale is playing Al Davis, the longtime owner of the Raiders.

Other billed stars in the trailer include Kathryn Hahn, John Mulaney, Sienna Miller and Shane Gillis. The director is David O. Russell.

Watch ‘Madden’ teaser trailer

The description on the YouTube video of the teaser reads: ‘Inspired by a true story, MADDEN follows the football legend from Super Bowl glory with the Raiders to revolutionizing the game with Madden NFL.’

It’s a holly jolly Christmas for Athletics’ fans.

After missing a good chunk of the 2024 season due to a bone bruise in his left wrist, Soderstrom enjoyed his first full season in the Majors in 2025. He didn’t disappoint.

Soderstrom was a key cog in the Athletics’ offense that finished the 2025 season above league average in runs (733), home runs (219), batting average (.253), OPS (.749), and total bases (2388).

What are the details of Soderstrom’s extension?

Soderstrom’s contract is worth $86 million over seven years, with an option for an eighth year as well. Soderstrom’s contract is also filled to the brim with incentives that could lift the value of the contract up to a staggering $131 million.

Tyler Soderstrom 2025 stats

Soderstrom enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, slashing .276/.346/.474 with 25 home runs and 93 RBI. His 126 OPS+ ranked fourth on the team.

Soderstrom was drafted as a catcher but spent most of his time in left field in 2025, while also playing 394 innings at first base.

Detroit entered a must-win Week 17 game against NFC North foe Minnesota with a league-low eight turnovers all season.

They nearly equaled that total in four quarters.

The Vikings’ defense harassed Lions quarterback Jared Goff all game, forcing six turnovers to earn a 23-10 win over the Lions on Christmas.

Neither offense managed much in their second matchup of the season. The first four drives of the game – two by each team – featured three punts and a fumble.

That fumble gave the Vikings their first points of the game on a one-yard touchdown run by Aaron Jones Sr.

Jones was the lone bright spot in a tough day for the Vikings’ offense. He had a game-high 18 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown and added three catches for 10 receiving yards.

As a team, Minnesota’s offense managed just three net passing yards. Rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosme completed 9 of 16 passes for 51 yards but was sacked seven times for 48 yards.

Goff was hit often as well, with five sacks for a loss of 34 yards. The Lions’ lone touchdown drive in the second quarter came by relying heavily on the running game. A 19-play, 80-yard drive that took 10 minutes off the clock finished off with a four-yard pass from Goff to Isaac TeSlaa to make the game 7-7 at halftime.

The Lions’ first four drives of the second half ended in a punt, two interceptions, and a fumble. Those two interceptions led to two Will Reichard field goals.

Detroit knocked through a Jake Bates field goal to make it 13-10 with 4:39 to go in the fourth quarter but the Vikings scored in just two plays on their ensuing drive to take a two-score lead. Another Goff fumble on the ensuing Lions’ drive led to a Vikings field goal that sealed the outcome.

Detroit, at 8-8, is now eliminated from the playoffs after winning the NFC North in the last two years. They’ll end their season on the road against the Chicago Bears (11-4). Minnesota sits 8-8 as well and will wrap up the regular season at home against the Green Bay Packers (9-5-1).

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more for the NFC North matchup on Christmas day below.

Vikings vs. Lions takeaways from Christmas game

What if? In Minnesota: The Vikings’ veteran defense slowed down one of the top offenses in the league on a big stage. Their offense did just enough behind Brosmer to keep them ahead. This kind of performance has to have Vikings fans wondering what might’ve been with a better quarterback performance all year.
Down, but not out in Detroit: The Lions’ attrition on defense wasn’t apparent in today’s game. It was the high-powered offense that let the team down. Detroit will miss out on the playoffs, but it has a lot going right for it as the regular season wraps up.
Playoff spoilers in Week 18: Both of these teams are 8-8 and out of contention after playing for the division title and the No. 1 seed in Week 18 a year ago. Their foes in the finale, Green Bay (for Minnesota) and Chicago (for Detroit), are taking their place atop the NFC North. It won’t make up for missing the postseason but handing their division rivals a loss in the finale sure could improve morale.

Are the Detroit Lions eliminated from playoff contention?

Detroit was already on the brink of elimination after losing to the Rams and Steelers in back-to-back weeks. Now, after their third straight loss to the Vikings, the Lions are eliminated from playoff contention in 2025.

Lions vs. Vikings final score: Minnesota 23, Detroit 10

Lions vs. Vikings score update: Minnesota adds another field goal

Detroit’s season is all but done. Goff’s third fumble and fifth turnover gave the Vikings easy scoring territory again. Will Reichard made his third field goal of the night -this time from 42 yards – to put the Vikings up 13 with 1:04 remaining.

Lions vs. Vikings score update: Jordan Addison house call ices the game

Minnesota has been unable to get much going through the air today, but they just got the biggest play of the day on the ground from Addison, who took a handoff for 65 yards to the house.

The Vikings are up two scores and are three and a half minutes away from playing spoiler against their NFC North rivals.

Vikings 20, Lions 10

Lions vs. Vikings score update: Detroit cuts into lead

Detroit capitalized on its best starting field position on the day, but Minnesota’s defense kept it out of the end zone again, forcing a field goal try. Jake Bates made a 48-yard field goal to cut the lead to three.

There’s 4:39 left in the fourth quarter. If the score holds Detroit will be eliminated from playoff contention.

Vikings 13, Lions 10

Who is Max Bosmer Minnesota Vikings QB?

Bosmer spent most of his collegiate career at New Hampshire before transferring to Minnesota for the 2024 season. He threw for 2,828 yards and 18 touchdowns with six interceptions. The 24-year-old quarterback signed as an undrafted free agent with the Vikings in 2025.

Lions vs. Vikings score update: Minnesota capitalizes on another Jared Goff interception

The Lions quarterback tossed his second interception of the game, and this time on the first play following the Vikings’ field goal. In the Lions’ territory, veteran Harrison Smith jumped in front of a pass intended for Amon-Ra St. Brown and intercepted Goff. It’s Smith’s 39th career interception and the Vikings were in immediate field goal range.

Reichard marched onto the field after another three-and-out and knocked through a 56-yard field goal to extend Minnesota’s lead to six with 1:57 left in the third quarter.

Vikings 13, Lions 7

Lions vs. Vikings score update: Minnesota goes ahead with 52- yard field goal

Minnesota’s points have all come off turnovers today. This time, it was the Vikings who intercepted Jared Goff on Detroit’s second possession after halftime. Byron Murphy picked off Goff, and Minnesota was set up with good field position.

Brosmer led the Vikings into field goal range, where Will Reichard kicked a 51-yard field goal to put the Vikings ahead again, 10-3.

Lainey Wilson, Andrea Bocelli and more join Snoop Dogg for Vikings-Lions halftime show

The legendary rapper headlined Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party during the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings matchup on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, streaming live on Netflix. He was joined by Lainey Wilson, a Grammy Award–winning country superstar and reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year.

EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X – the voices behind Netflix’s KPOP Demon Hunters. Vocalists Maestro Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli closed the holiday party with “White Christmas.”

How long is halftime in the NFL?

Typically, halftime lasts 12 minutes in the NFL. However, that can be extended if there is a halftime show.

Lions at Vikings score at halftime: Minnesota 7, Detroit 7

It’s been quite a Christmas slog in Minnesota. Detroit has just 119 total yards of offense, and Minnesota has struggled with Max Brosmer with an abysmal 36 total yards in the first half. The Lions needed multiple fourth-down conversions to punch back after the Vikings scored early. The Vikings’ defense has forced two fumbles, helping keep Detroit’s offense off the scoreboard. Detroit’s playoff hopes are hanging in the balance with the game tied 7-7 at halftime.

Vikings vs. Lions score update: Isaac TeSlaa hauls in impressive TD on fourth down

Detroit answered with an impressive 19-play, 80-yard drive that took over 10 minutes off the game clock. The Lions converted a crucial 4th down on a one-yard run by Montgomery on the Vikings’ three-yard line prior to converting on another fourth down, where Jared Goff connected with his rookie receiver in the back of the end zone, who made an impressive leaping grab.

The game is knotted up at seven, with 1:05 left in the first half.

Vikings 7, Lions 7

Vikings vs. Lions score update: Aaron Jones punches in TD to open Christmas game scoring

Minnesota gets on the board first after Aaron Jones punches in a one-yard touchdown. The teams traded punts on the first three possessions, and an untimely Jared Goff fumbled snap on third and short was recovered by Andrew Van Ginkel to give Minnesota a quick red zone opportunity.

The Vikings score first on the legs of Jones on five plays for 16 yards and take a 7-0 lead with 1:35 remaining in the first quarter.

What does ‘skol’ mean for the Minnesota Vikings?

‘Skol’ is a Viking war chant and comes from the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian word ‘Skål.’ A Skål was a bowl that was often filled with beer and shared among friends so the word became a way of saying ‘Cheers!’

Who is the Lions head coach?

The Lions’ head coach is Dan Campbell, a former NFL tight end. Campbell was hired by the Lions ahead of the 2021 season and has guided them to a 47-35-1 record.

He was also the Miami Dolphins’ interim head coach in 2017, succeeding Joe Philbin after he was fired.

How to watch Lions game today vs. Vikings

Matchup: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
How to watch: Netflix

Netflix is broadcasting the Lions-Vikings game on Christmas to a national audience. There is no national broadcast of the game available on cable TV.

Fans living in the local markets (Detroit or Minneapolis) can watch the game on their local CBS affiliate.

Detroit Lions inactives vs. Vikings

LT Taylor Decker
iOL Trystan Colon
DL Tyler Lacy
WR Dominic Lovett
DB Avonte Maddox
iOL Michael Niese
DL Mekhi Wingo

Minnesota Vikings inactives vs. Lions

QB J.J. McCarthy
QB Brett Rypien (Emergency 3rd QB)
RB Jordan Mason
LB Austin Keys
T Brian O’Neill
TE T.J. Hockenson

Is Amon-Ra St. Brown playing today?

Amon-Ra St. Brown is dealing with a knee injury that has left him ‘questionable’ for the Lions’ short-week tilt with the Minnesota Vikings. He is expected to play today after not being listed among Detroit’s inactives.

What TV channel is the Vikings vs. Lions game on?

Only fans living in the Vikings and Lions markets will be able to watch the Christmas game on cable television.

Here’s where those fans can tune in on Dec. 25:

TV channel:

Detroit: WWJ-TV (CBS 62 in Detroit)
Minneapolis/St. Paul: WCCO-CBS

The game can be streamed on Netflix for national viewers.

What time is the Lions-Vikings game on?

Start time: 4:30 p.m. ET

The Vikings and Lions will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Christmas, Dec. 25.

Vikings vs. Lions stream

Live stream: Netflix

The Lions at Vikings matchup is the last of two Christmas games on Netflix today. A subscription is required to watch the games.

Vikings vs. Lions picks, predictions

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports NFL experts feel the Lions and Vikings matchup is going to tilt:

Jarrett Bell: Lions 24, Vikings 13
Nick Brinkerhoff: Lions 23, Vikings 20
Chris Bumbaca: Lions 28, Vikings 24
Nate Davis: Lions 30, Vikings 20
Tyler Dragon: Lions 27, Vikings 17
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Lions 24, Vikings 21

Vikings vs. Lions odds, moneyline, O/U

National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Spread favorite: Lions (-7.5)
Moneyline: Lions (-375), Vikings (+300)
Total: 43.5 points

NFL games today on TV

There are three NFL games on Christmas, though none are available on national TV with a cable subscription or an antenna.

Here’s which games kick off on Dec. 25, when they start and how to watch each holiday matchup:

Commanders vs. Cowboys:

Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix (national)
TV channel: N/A (national) | KTVT – CBS 11 (Dallas) | WUSA – CBS 9 (Washington)

Vikings vs. Lions

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix (national)
TV channel: N/A (national) | WWJ-TV – CBS 62 (Detroit) | WCCO – CBS 4 (Twin Cities)

Chiefs vs. Broncos

Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (national)
TV channel: N/A (national) | KMGH – ABC 7 (Denver) | KSHB – NBC 41 (Kansas City)

Can the Vikings make the playoffs?

Minnesota is already eliminated from playoff contention. They were mathematically eliminated on Sunday in Week 15.

The Christmas Day showcase for the defending NBA champions this year featured one of the few teams to actually beat them this season, and still the Thunder remain winless against them.

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 on the road to hand a lump of coal to the home crowd on Christmas.

The Spurs haven’t just beaten the Thunder this year, they’ve throughly dominated them, and have won every matchup the two teams have had this year. Three of Oklahoma City’s five losses have come against these Spurs, which has to have Thunder fans shaking in their boots.

Oklahoma City suffered its second largest loss of the season – a 15-point defeat at the hands of the Spurs – who handed the Thunder their largest loss of the year just two days prior.

Despite Victor Wembanyama coming off the bench in this game as well, the big man still had a massive impact, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 29 points, while Harrison Barnes continued to provide veteran aggressiveness in a showdown between two of the youngest teams in the league. Barnes added 15 points of his own, giving him 35 over the team’s last two games against OKC.

Here’s what happened during the NBA’s Christmas Day game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs:

Spurs vs. Thunder highlights

Spurs vs Thunder final player stats

Spurs scoring leaders

De’Aaron Fox 29 points, Stephon Castle 19 points, Victor Wembanyama 19 points

Spurs rebound leaders

Victor Wembanyama 11, Keldon Johnson 7

Thunder scoring leaders

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 22 points, Isaiah Hartenstein 12 points, Alex Caruso 12 points

Thunder rebound leaders

Isaiah Hartenstein 12, Chet Holmgren 12

Spurs vs Thunder final team stats

FG%: Spurs 54%, Thunder 39%
3PT%: Spurs 38%, Thunder 28%
FT%: Spurs 76%, Thunder 68%
Rebounds: Spurs 49, Thunder 48
Assists: Thunder 23, Spurs 20
Turnovers: Thunder 7, Spurs 12
Steals: Thunder 7, Spurs 3
Blocks: Thunder 6, Spurs 4

FINAL: Spurs 117, Thunder 102

The San Antonio Spurs (23-7) scored their third consecutive victory against the reigning NBA champions this season and moved to just 2.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5) at the top of the Western Conference standings.

Thunder hot to start fourth

Less than two-and-a-half minutes into the fourth, the Thunder have found a groove. The reigning champs have rattled off six straight points to begin the quarter, and have been gathering offensive rebounds as well to reduce San Antonio’s lead to just 10 points.

The Thunder were so dominant in that short stretch that the Spurs were forced to use a timeout. Hopefully that small break will be enough to shift the momentum back in the Spurs’ favor.

End Q3: Spurs 95, Thunder 79

The San Antonio Spurs continued to take advantage of OKC’s offensive woes. The Thunder really struggled with the three-ball in the third quarter, particularly Alex Caruso who finally hit his first field goal of the afternoon with just over a minute left in the quarter.

The Spurs have dominated pace of play, forcing several bad shots from OKC and not letting the Thunder get away with committing offensive fouls. The Spurs find themselves up 16 heading into the final quarter. De’Aaron Fox leads all scorers with 25.

Spurs take advantage of OKC offensive struggles

On three of OKC’s last four offensive possessions, the Thunder have turned the ball over due to offensive fouls. Jalen Williams committed two of them, with Isaiah Hartenstein committing the final foul.

The only other possession in that span wasn’t much prettier, requiring two offensive rebounds by Hartenstein before Williams could cap the possession off with a midrange floater.

San Antonio has taken advantage of these offensive flubs, extending their lead to 17. Spurs lead 85-68.

Spurs vs. Thunder halftime stats

FG%: Spurs 61.4, Thunder 47.9
FT%: Spurs 61.5, Thunder 57.1
3PT%: Spurs 43.8, Thunder 33.3
Rebounds: Spurs 25, Thunder 29
Assists: Spurs 12, Thunder 12
Turnovers: Spurs 6, Thunder 4
Blocks: Spurs 3, Thunder 1

End Q2: Spurs 69, Thunder 60

After a solid first quarter, one that ended with an 11-0 San Antonio run, the Spurs have built a solid lead headed into halftime.

Oklahoma City’s shooting cooled in the second period, and the defensive impact Victor Wembanyama created can’t be overlooked. Though he recorded just 1 block in the quarter, Wembanyama’s presence down low constantly affected the shots the Thunder tried to take in the paint and near the rim.

That was compounded by Oklahoma City’s inefficient shooting from downtown in the period; the Thunder made just two of their eight 3-point shot attempts in the second. This is the issue when playing the Spurs: when scoring in the low block becomes difficult, making perimeter shots becomes essential.

Thunder guard Alex Caruso, in particular, has struggled from deep, failing to hit any of his eight shots from 3-point range.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent a chunk of the period on the bench, but he has been the most consistent OKC player, scoring 16 points.

De’Aaron Fox continues to lead the Spurs in scoring with 21 points. Stephon Castle has added 13 points and 4 assists. Victor Wembanyama has added 9 points and 6 rebounds.

End Q1: Spurs 41, Thunder 36

After a thrilling finish in the first Christmas Day game, the Spurs and Thunder picked things right up in the second leg of the slate, though it was the Spurs who ended the period on an 11-0 run.

Both teams played quick and loose, which allowed consistent shot-making to follow; both teams combined to shoot a ridiculous 30-of-48 (62.5%) from the floor in the first period.

The numbers were also impressive from beyond the arc: (9-of-18; 50%).

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox set the tone early and knocked down 5-of-6 shots to lead all players with 13 points. Fellow Spurs guard Stephon Castle added 9 points.

Victor Wembanyama (calf strain) came off the bench as San Antonio continues to manage his minutes  and played 4:08 in the first period, scoring 5 points and collecting 1 rebound. He was active and physical and appeared to frustrate OKC players.

The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, each of whom had 9 points.

Is Victor Wembanyama playing vs Thunder

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is not starting San Antonio’s Christmas Day contest, but he’s available to come off the bench. The team has made it clear they’re managing his minutes since he strained his left calf on Dec. 13.

Jalen Williams off to fast start

Thunder guard Jalen Williams has made all three of his shot attempts in the early going as the Thunder have jumped out to an 18-12 lead with 8:10 to go in the first quarter.

OKC is currently on a 10-2 run.

What time is Spurs vs. Thunder Christmas game today?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the San Antonio Spurs in one of five NBA on Christmas games on Thursday, Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.

Date: Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
TV: ABC, ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo

Spurs vs. Thunder odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to beat the San Antonio Spurs, according to DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.

Line: Thunder -9.5
Over/under: 232.5

Spurs starting lineup

The Dallas Cowboys already own Thanksgiving. This year, they owned Christmas.

Dallas took down the Washington Commanders, 30-23, in the first of three games on Christmas Day in 2025. The Cowboys leaned heavily on their run game against a Washington front missing Daron Payne, gashing them for 211 yards on the ground to earn their seventh win of the season.

The Commanders put up an admirable fight despite injuries to Payne, quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and running back Chris Rodriguez, who was dealing with an illness. Their defensive struggles against Dallas’ run game doomed Washington to its 12th loss of the season.

Each team has one game left to play against another divisional rival — the Cowboys play the Giants on the road; the Commanders travel to Philadelphia — in Week 18. They’ll both head into long offseasons after missing the playoffs this year.

Here’s how the Cowboys’ Week 17 Christmas win went down as USA TODAY Sports provided live updates for the first game in the holiday triple-header:

Cowboys at Commanders takeaways from Christmas game

Brian Schottenheimer does not care about your fantasy football matchup. During the week of most leagues’ championship matchups, the Cowboys’ top two receivers — CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens — combined for eight catches, 103 yards and zero touchdowns. Dallas leaned a lot more heavily on its run game with four different rushers accumulating a total of 190 yards and a touchdown on 38 combined carries — averaging five yards per carry. Malik Davis led the way with 90 yards on 17 carries.
The Cowboys will have to spend this offseason overhauling their defense. Dallas’ secondary made a 39-year-old Josh Johnson look like he deserved to be starting all season long at some points of the game — yet it was his first start since 2021 and just the 10th start of his career. The Commanders’ third-string quarterback finished with 198 yards and a passer rating of 92.3 while only taking [one sack], and Washington’s offense mostly kept up with Dallas’ scoring efforts. The Cowboys’ offense ranks second in yards per game (393.1 on average) and fifth in points scored (28.3 per game). Yet Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs by Week 16. An upgraded defense could get the Cowboys back on track for another playoff push in 2026.
Deebo Samuel was playing like a pending free agent hungry for his next payday. Which he is. Samuel didn’t get many touches, but each one of them stood out. He finished the game with two catches for 68 yards and 2 carries for 25 more scrimmage yards. Each time Samuel had the ball, he looked fast, took on would-be tacklers and trucked a couple of them to tack on more yards after contact on several of his touches. Outside of rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt — who had more than 100 yards and two touchdowns in the game — Samuel was Washington’s biggest standout on offense throughout their Christmas clash with the Cowboys.

Commanders vs. Cowboys highlights

Cowboys vs. Commanders final score: Dallas 30, Commanders 23

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Moody knocks through 51-yard field goal

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn opted to be strategic with his possession and time left, asking his kicker to attempt a field goal on third down with just over two minutes left. That will force an additional clock stoppage during the Cowboys’ next possession while Washington can hang onto its three timeouts while on defense.

Moody’s longest field goal attempt of the day went through the uprights like his first two, drawing the Commanders within seven points. It’s 30-23 Cowboys at the two-minute warning. The Cowboys have the ball at their own 33-yard line.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Brandon Aubrey hits second 50+ yard field goal

Aubrey missed a 58-yard field goal on the Cowboys’ previous drive, but he bounced back with a 51-yarder on Dallas’ second possession of the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys’ lead is back up to 10 points. Dallas leads 30-20 with four minutes left in the game.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Moody boots another field goal

The Commanders’ kicker sent a 23-yard field goal through the uprights after another Washington drive stalled in the red zone.

Moody’s second field goal of the day brings the Commanders back within seven points. The Cowboys still lead, 27-20, with 16 seconds left in the third quarter.

Jake Ferguson injury update

Ferguson exited the Christmas game against the Commanders with a calf injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the matchup, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. The Cowboys tight end’s sole catch before his injury was a six-yard touchdown reception — his eighth of the season.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Brandon Aubrey knocks through another field goal

Dallas extends its lead back to 10 points on a 52-yard field goal from its kicker. Aubrey is 2-for-2 on field goal attempts on Christmas, in addition to a perfect 3-for-3 mark on extra point attempts.

It’s 27-17 Cowboys with 4:42 left in the third quarter.

Javonte Williams injury update

The Cowboys’ running back is questionable to return to his team’s Christmas game with a shoulder injury, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Williams already has 54 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jacory Croskey-Merritt doubles up on Christmas TDs

Moments after former Washington running back Clinton Portis joined Netflix’s broadcast, Croskey-Merritt broke through with a 72-yard touchdown run on the Commanders’ first play of their second possession of the second half.

The score brought Washington within seven points of Dallas, but the Cowboys still lead, 24-17, with 9:34 left in the third quarter.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Brandon Aubrey knocks through 42-yard field goal

Aubrey’s first field goal attempt of the afternoon is good from just over 40 yards out.

It gives the Cowboys a 24-10 lead with 19 seconds left in the first half.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jacory ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt scores Commanders’ first TD

Washington took advantage of three costly Cowboys penalties to score its first touchdown: a kickoff short of the landing zone, a horse collar tackle and a defensive pass interference.

The Commanders cut Dallas’ lead to 11 points after Croskey-Merritt’s seventh touchdown of his rookie season on his 10-yard run. They’ll kick the ball back to the Cowboys, who lead 21-10 with 4:35 left in the first half.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: KaVontae Turpin streaks past defender for 86-yard touchdown

Commander’s safety Frankie Luvu jumped offside, and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott took advantage of the free play with a deep shot downfield. Turpin hauled in the throw right across the 50-yard line and took it the rest of the way for another Cowboys touchdown.

Dallas’ 97-yard touchdown drive took the fewest plays and the least time to score of any of their drives today. The Cowboys’ lead is up to 21-3 with seven minutes left in the first half.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Javonte Williams slams through defenders for TD

The Cowboys have been gashing the Commanders on the ground. They’re up to 92 yards on 17 carries (5.4 yards per carry) through two possessions.

Williams was the latest beneficiary of Washington’s poor run defense, pounding the rock through a few defenders to score Dallas’ second touchdown in as many possessions. The Cowboys now lead 14-3 with 12 minutes left in the first half.

Dallas has scored on two straight drives that each lasted over five minutes and featured more than a dozen plays each possession.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Moody gets Washington on the board

The Commanders made it inside the Cowboys’ 5-yard line before quarterback Josh Johnson took a third-down sack.

On the ensuing fourth down, Washington’s kicker gave his team its first points of the holiday matchup with a 29-yard field goal. It’s 7-3 Cowboys with 4:44 left in the first quarter.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Ferguson snags one-handed TD catch

The Cowboys’ fourth-year tight end has his eighth touchdown of the season, extending his career high, and he did it with flair. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s throw was a bit high, but the 6-foot-5 tight end reached up to tip the ball to himself.

Ferguson’s score and kicker Brandon Aubrey’s extra point gave the Cowboys a 7-0 lead. The Commanders will begin their first possession with 9:42 left in the first quarter.

How to watch Cowboys game today vs. Commanders

Matchup: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders
Location: Landover, Maryland
Venue: Northwest Stadium
Time: 1 p.m. ET
How to watch: Netflix

Netflix is broadcasting the Cowboys-Commanders game on Christmas to a national audience. There is no national broadcast of the game available on cable TV.

Fans living in the local markets (Dallas or Washington) can watch the game on their local CBS affiliate.

How to buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets for NFL Week 17

You can buy tickets to see the Cowboys take on the Commanders from multiple sources.

StubHub: Buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets on StubHub
SeatGeek: Buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets on SeatGeek
Vivid Seats: Buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets on Vivid Seats

Josh Johnson football player

The Commanders are starting veteran journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson for their Christmas game against the Cowboys, head coach Dan Quinn announced.

It will be the 39-year-old’s first start since 2021 and 10th start of his career. Johnson holds a 1-8 record in his nine career starts.

Johnson notably holds the NFL record for most teams played for in a career, with 14. Here’s who he has played for, in alphabetical order:

Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Las Vegas (then-Oakland) Raiders
New York Giants
New York Jets
San Francisco 49ers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Washington Commanders

NFL games today on TV

There are three NFL games taking place on Christmas, though none of them are available on national TV with a cable subscription or antenna.

Here’s which games kick off on Dec. 25, when they start and how to watch each holiday matchup:

Commanders vs. Cowboys:

Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix (national)
TV channel: N/A (national) | KTVT – CBS 11 (Dallas) | WUSA – CBS 9 (Washington)

Vikings vs. Lions

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix (national)
TV channel: N/A (national) | WWJ-TV – CBS 62 (Detroit) | WCCO – CBS 4 (Twin Cities)

Chiefs vs. Broncos

Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (national)
TV channel: N/A (national) | KMGH – ABC 7 (Denver) | KSHB – NBC 41 (Kansas City)

What TV channel is the Commanders vs Cowboys game on?

TV channel (national) N/A
TV channel (Dallas market): KTVT (CBS Channel 11)
TV channel (Washington market): WUSA (CBS Channel 9)

The Commanders vs. Cowboys Christmas Day game will not air on a national TV network, as it is being streamed on Netflix.

Viewers in the Dallas and Washington markets can watch the game on their local CBS affiliate.

What time is the Cowboys game on?

Start time: 1 p.m. ET

The Cowboys and Commanders are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET. Dallas travels to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland for the matchup.

Commanders vs Cowboys stream

Live stream: Netflix

The Cowboys vs. Commanders matchup is the first of two Christmas games on Netflix. A subscription is required to watch the games.

Cowboys vs. Commanders picks, predictions

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports NFL experts feel the Cowboys vs. Commanders matchup is going to tilt:

Jarrett Bell: Cowboys, 30-24
Nick Brinkerhoff: Cowboys, 30-24
Chris Bumbaca: Cowboys, 33-22
Nate Davis: Cowboys. 27-17
Tyler Dragon: Cowboys, 30-21
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Cowboys, 34-23

Cowboys vs. Commanders odds, moneyline, O/U

National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Tuesday at 7:28 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Spread favorite: Cowboys (-6.5)
Moneyline: Cowboys (-285), Commanders (+230)
Total: 50.5 points

NFC East standings

The Cowboys enter today’s game in second place in the NFC East. The Commanders are in third. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention.

Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)
Washington Commanders (4-11)
New York Giants (2-13)

Dallas Cowboys inactives today vs. Commanders

WR Ryan Flournoy
CB Caelen Carson
RB Jaydon Blue
DT Jay Toia
LB DeMarvion Overshown
DT Perrion Winfrey

Lakers guard Austin Reaves’ night ended early as he was ruled out for the remainder of Los Angeles’ Christmas Day game against the Houston Rockets due to ‘left calf soreness.’

Reaves had missed three straight games for the Lakers, from Dec. 14-20, due to a calf strain. He returned to the lineup on Dec. 23, playing nearly 22 minutes off the bench.

The fifth-year guard was back in the starting lineup on Thursday, but his night ended after 15 minutes of play. He did manage to score 12 points in his time on the court, going 5-for-8 from the field.

Marcus Smart was on the court in place of Reaves when the second half began.

Reaves entered the Lakers’ Christmas contest averaging 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.

‘Austin clearly felt something,’ Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game. Redick did not have any further updates for reporters.

The Christmas Day showcase for the defending NBA champions this year featured one of the few teams to actually beat them this season, and still the Thunder remain winless against them.

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 on the road to hand a lump of coal to the home crowd on Christmas.

The Spurs haven’t just beaten the Thunder this year, they’ve throughly dominated them, and have won every matchup the two teams have had this year. Three of Oklahoma City’s five losses have come against these Spurs, which has to have Thunder fans shaking in their boots.

Oklahoma City suffered its second largest loss of the season – a 15-point defeat at the hands of the Spurs – who handed the Thunder their largest loss of the year just two days prior.

Despite Victor Wembanyama coming off the bench in this game as well, the big man still had a massive impact, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 29 points, while Harrison Barnes continued to provide veteran aggressiveness in a showdown between two of the youngest teams in the league. Barnes added 15 points of his own, giving him 35 over the team’s last two games against OKC.

Here’s what happened during the NBA’s Christmas Day game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs:

Spurs vs. Thunder highlights

Spurs vs Thunder final player stats

Spurs scoring leaders

De’Aaron Fox 29 points, Stephon Castle 19 points, Victor Wembanyama 19 points

Spurs rebound leaders

Victor Wembanyama 11, Keldon Johnson 7

Thunder scoring leaders

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 22 points, Isaiah Hartenstein 12 points, Alex Caruso 12 points

Thunder rebound leaders

Isaiah Hartenstein 12, Chet Holmgren 12

Spurs vs Thunder final team stats

FG%: Spurs 54%, Thunder 39%
3PT%: Spurs 38%, Thunder 28%
FT%: Spurs 76%, Thunder 68%
Rebounds: Spurs 49, Thunder 48
Assists: Thunder 23, Spurs 20
Turnovers: Thunder 7, Spurs 12
Steals: Thunder 7, Spurs 3
Blocks: Thunder 6, Spurs 4

FINAL: Spurs 117, Thunder 102

The San Antonio Spurs (23-7) scored their third consecutive victory against the reigning NBA champions this season and moved to just 2.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5) at the top of the Western Conference standings.

Thunder hot to start fourth

Less than two-and-a-half minutes into the fourth, the Thunder have found a groove. The reigning champs have rattled off six straight points to begin the quarter, and have been gathering offensive rebounds as well to reduce San Antonio’s lead to just 10 points.

The Thunder were so dominant in that short stretch that the Spurs were forced to use a timeout. Hopefully that small break will be enough to shift the momentum back in the Spurs’ favor.

End Q3: Spurs 95, Thunder 79

The San Antonio Spurs continued to take advantage of OKC’s offensive woes. The Thunder really struggled with the three-ball in the third quarter, particularly Alex Caruso who finally hit his first field goal of the afternoon with just over a minute left in the quarter.

The Spurs have dominated pace of play, forcing several bad shots from OKC and not letting the Thunder get away with committing offensive fouls. The Spurs find themselves up 16 heading into the final quarter. De’Aaron Fox leads all scorers with 25.

Spurs take advantage of OKC offensive struggles

On three of OKC’s last four offensive possessions, the Thunder have turned the ball over due to offensive fouls. Jalen Williams committed two of them, with Isaiah Hartenstein committing the final foul.

The only other possession in that span wasn’t much prettier, requiring two offensive rebounds by Hartenstein before Williams could cap the possession off with a midrange floater.

San Antonio has taken advantage of these offensive flubs, extending their lead to 17. Spurs lead 85-68.

Spurs vs. Thunder halftime stats

FG%: Spurs 61.4, Thunder 47.9
FT%: Spurs 61.5, Thunder 57.1
3PT%: Spurs 43.8, Thunder 33.3
Rebounds: Spurs 25, Thunder 29
Assists: Spurs 12, Thunder 12
Turnovers: Spurs 6, Thunder 4
Blocks: Spurs 3, Thunder 1

End Q2: Spurs 69, Thunder 60

After a solid first quarter, one that ended with an 11-0 San Antonio run, the Spurs have built a solid lead headed into halftime.

Oklahoma City’s shooting cooled in the second period, and the defensive impact Victor Wembanyama created can’t be overlooked. Though he recorded just 1 block in the quarter, Wembanyama’s presence down low constantly affected the shots the Thunder tried to take in the paint and near the rim.

That was compounded by Oklahoma City’s inefficient shooting from downtown in the period; the Thunder made just two of their eight 3-point shot attempts in the second. This is the issue when playing the Spurs: when scoring in the low block becomes difficult, making perimeter shots becomes essential.

Thunder guard Alex Caruso, in particular, has struggled from deep, failing to hit any of his eight shots from 3-point range.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent a chunk of the period on the bench, but he has been the most consistent OKC player, scoring 16 points.

De’Aaron Fox continues to lead the Spurs in scoring with 21 points. Stephon Castle has added 13 points and 4 assists. Victor Wembanyama has added 9 points and 6 rebounds.

End Q1: Spurs 41, Thunder 36

After a thrilling finish in the first Christmas Day game, the Spurs and Thunder picked things right up in the second leg of the slate, though it was the Spurs who ended the period on an 11-0 run.

Both teams played quick and loose, which allowed consistent shot-making to follow; both teams combined to shoot a ridiculous 30-of-48 (62.5%) from the floor in the first period.

The numbers were also impressive from beyond the arc: (9-of-18; 50%).

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox set the tone early and knocked down 5-of-6 shots to lead all players with 13 points. Fellow Spurs guard Stephon Castle added 9 points.

Victor Wembanyama (calf strain) came off the bench as San Antonio continues to manage his minutes  and played 4:08 in the first period, scoring 5 points and collecting 1 rebound. He was active and physical and appeared to frustrate OKC players.

The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, each of whom had 9 points.

Is Victor Wembanyama playing vs Thunder

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is not starting San Antonio’s Christmas Day contest, but he’s available to come off the bench. The team has made it clear they’re managing his minutes since he strained his left calf on Dec. 13.

Jalen Williams off to fast start

Thunder guard Jalen Williams has made all three of his shot attempts in the early going as the Thunder have jumped out to an 18-12 lead with 8:10 to go in the first quarter.

OKC is currently on a 10-2 run.

What time is Spurs vs. Thunder Christmas game today?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the San Antonio Spurs in one of five NBA on Christmas games on Thursday, Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.

Date: Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
TV: ABC, ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo

Spurs vs. Thunder odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to beat the San Antonio Spurs, according to DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.

Line: Thunder -9.5
Over/under: 232.5

Spurs starting lineup