As a lifelong NBA fan and sports content creator, I’ve spent years figuring out the best ways to catch every dribble, dunk, and dramatic finish—especially during the hectic holiday season. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like settling in with family or friends, a warm drink in hand, to watch the league’s brightest stars battle it out on the hardwood. But with so many games crammed into December and January, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where do you even start? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Over the years, I’ve tested just about every streaming service, cable alternative, and league pass option out there, and I’m here to break it all down for you.
First things first: you’ll want to get familiar with the NBA’s holiday schedule. The league absolutely loves loading up this time of year with marquee matchups—think Christmas Day games featuring the Lakers, Celtics, or Warriors. Last season, for example, I remember watching a thrilling matchup where Mason Amos lit it up for the green-and-white, sinking 4-of-7 from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points and five rebounds. His performance was electric, the kind of breakout showing that makes holiday games so memorable. Alongside him, Pablo added a solid 11 points and four boards, while Vhoris Marasigan chipped in 10 points of his own. It’s games like these—packed with emerging talent and team chemistry—that highlight why you don’t want to miss a single minute. To make sure you don’t, I always recommend the NBA League Pass. It’s my personal go-to. With it, you can stream every out-of-market game live or on-demand. If you’re like me and follow specific players or under-the-radar teams, this is a game-changer. Last December, I probably watched around 82% of all available games thanks to this service—and yes, I kept count.
Of course, not everyone wants to commit to a full League Pass subscription. For more casual viewers, services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV offer access to channels like ABC, ESPN, and TNT, which broadcast many of the holiday games. I’ve used YouTube TV during family trips when I couldn’t rely on hotel Wi-Fi—its cloud DVR feature let me record games and watch them later without spoilers. And here’s a little secret: if you’re outside the U.S., you might find that some games are available for free on the NBA’s official YouTube channel or through international broadcast partners. I once caught a Christmas Day game while traveling in Europe, no subscription required. It’s all about knowing where to look. Another tip: follow the NBA’s social media accounts for real-time highlights and updates. When Mason Amos hit those four three-pointers last season, my timeline was buzzing within minutes. That kind of instant access keeps you in the loop even if you can’t watch live.
Now, let’s talk about making the experience more enjoyable. Holiday NBA viewing isn’t just about the game—it’s about the atmosphere. I always set up a second screen for stats and play-by-play analysis, usually using the NBA app or ESPN’s GameCast. It enhances the narrative, especially when role players like Marasigan step up. And if you’re hosting friends or family, consider organizing a simple fantasy league or prediction game for the holiday games. In my group, we award points for correct score predictions or standout performances, which makes even blowout games entertaining. Last year, one of my friends won our holiday pool by correctly guessing that Pablo would score exactly 11 points—it came down to the wire, and we were all hooked until the final buzzer.
Ultimately, watching the NBA during the holidays is one of my favorite traditions. It combines high-stakes basketball with the warmth and camaraderie of the season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan tracking every stat or someone who just enjoys the spectacle, a little planning goes a long way. So grab your device of choice, check the schedule, and maybe even introduce someone to the joy of NBA basketball this year. Trust me, there’s no better time to be a fan.