Ultimate Christmas Day NFL and NBA Betting Guide
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
SportsGrid offers you a comprehensive guide to betting on Christmas Day NFL and NBA games, featuring expert tips, match analysis, and strategies to maximize your holiday enjoyment.
NFL Betting Guide
Christmas Day Parlay | Top Player Props Previews: Chiefs-Steelers | Ravens-Texans NFL Christmas Day Anytime TD Scorers
Chiefs vs Steelers: The Kansas City Chiefs, sitting with just one loss this season, have cemented themselves as a powerhouse, often deterring bettors from taking a hard look at their challengers (despite KC’s less-than-stellar ATS record). But don’t overlook the Pittsburgh Steelers as they host this Christmas Day clash at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh’s defense thrives at home, holding opponents to six fewer points per game than road matchups, and they’re primed to capitalize on a Chiefs offensive line that has shown cracks. If T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ pass rush can rattle Patrick Mahomes, this could shape up as a legitimate upset. Best Bets: Steelers +2.5
Ravens vs Texans: The Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans are playoff-bound, but Week 17 carries critical implications for seeding, especially for Baltimore’s push toward an AFC North title. The Ravens, riding high off a decisive 17-point win over the Steelers, will be motivated to solidify their division crown. History favors Baltimore in this matchup—they swept the Texans last year, winning by 16 points in the regular season and 24 in the playoffs. The Ravens have found a formula that gives Houston trouble. Best Bets: Ravens -5.5
NBA Betting Guide
Player Props | Christmas Day Parlay Where to Watch Every NBA X-Mas Game
Noon ET: San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks: The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks tip off the NBA’s Christmas Day slate at Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks favored by 9 points. While New York has been on a tear, winning nine of their last 11 games, that spread feels generous. Sitting at 15-14, the Spurs have been grinding in a competitive Western Conference and won’t back down from the challenge. Victor Wembanyama, in his first Christmas Day showcase, will indeed aim to shine under the bright lights. This matchup has all the makings of a tightly contested game, with a fourth-quarter battle more likely than a Knicks blowout. Best Bet: Spurs +9
2:30 p.m. ET: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks: The Western Conference is stacked with contenders, but the Dallas Mavericks might be the most overlooked team in the mix. Dallas has caught fire after a shaky 5-7 start, going 14-3 over their last 17 games. Now, they face a Minnesota Timberwolves squad loaded with talent but plagued by ongoing chemistry issues. The Wolves have struggled to find consistency, and there’s little evidence they’re ready to turn things around against a surging Mavericks team. With Dallas playing at a much higher level lately, they’re a solid choice to cover the spread in what should be another strong showing. Best Bet: Mavericks -5.5
5:00 p.m. ET: Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics: Let’s start by acknowledging how dominant the Boston Celtics have been this season, but a ten-point spread feels steep, even against the Philadelphia 76ers. While Philly’s season hasn’t met early expectations, winning seven of their last ten games, they’ve found some rhythm. The trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey has rarely shared the floor for a full game, but when they have, they’ve shown flashes of being a formidable force. Chemistry and injuries remain concerns, but the talent level here warrants more respect than being nearly double-digit underdogs. The 76ers should come into this matchup determined to prove they belong. While a win might be a tall order, their pride and talent should be enough to keep things competitive against Boston. Best Bet: 76ers +9.5
8:00 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors: Christmas Day brings another chapter in the LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry rivalry. The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors have had their ups and downs this season, sitting just above .500, but recent trends favor Los Angeles. The Warriors, once dominant, have quietly dropped 10 of their last 13 games in alarming fashion. While the Lakers aren’t without flaws, they’ve shown more consistency and cohesion lately. Given Golden State’s struggles, it’s hard to justify them being five-point favorites against a playoff-caliber team like the Lakers. In this matchup, the Lakers seem like the more trustworthy team to rise to the occasion. Best Bet: Lakers +4
10:30 p.m. ET: Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns: When the Phoenix Suns have had Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal on the court together, they’ve looked like one of the NBA’s elite teams. Unfortunately, injuries have kept them from reaching their full potential, with Booker now sidelined after KD missed significant time earlier. The Suns have dropped their last two games without Booker, including a 27-point loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. While Denver hasn’t been particularly dominant this season, that performance highlighted Phoenix’s struggles without their core intact. Even with a shift to home court, it’s tough to trust the Suns until their big three are healthy. Best Bet: Nuggets -2.5
