Christmas weekend sports on TV schedule: NBA, NFL games to watch Dec. 23-26
Want to sprinkle in some sports viewing during your Christmas celebrations this weekend?
You have some options throughout the holiday weekend with some big NFL and NBA games on the television schedule.
Here are some sporting events that could offer some intrigue through Monday, and how to watch them.
All times MST.
More:College football bowl schedule, TV information: How to watch 2022-23 bowl games
Friday, Dec. 23
College football: Gasparilla Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Missouri, 4:30 p.m., ESPN
If you are a fan of college football bowl games, you only have one option on Friday night with Wake Forest (7-5) vs. Missouri (6-6) in a matchup of ACC and SEC teams.
NBA: Bucks at Nets, 5:30 p.m., NBA TV
Both Milwaukee and Brooklyn could end up having a big say in the NBA's Eastern Conference. The Bucks are 22-9 and lead the East, while the Nets are 20-12 and have won seven in a row.
NBA: Grizzlies at Suns, 8 p.m., Bally Sports Arizona, ESPN
The Grizzlies lead the NBA's Western Conference, while the Suns are just one game behind them. Could Phoenix upset Memphis without Devin Booker? It's worth a watch.
More:NFL Week 16 schedule, television information: How to watch Week 16 NFL games
Saturday, Dec. 24
NFL: Bengals at Patriots, 11 a.m., CBS
What were the Patriots doing on that last play against the Raiders? It very well could end up costing them a postseason berth. How will they rebound against the red-hot Bengals, who continue to rise up in the standings?
NFL: Seahawks at Chiefs, 11 a.m., Fox
The Seahawks are fighting for an NFC playoff berth. The Chiefs are fighting for the top seed in the AFC playoffs. That makes this game very intriguing.
NFL: Eagles at Cowboys, 2:30 p.m., Fox
This game lost a little bit of its luster with the Cowboys' loss to the Jaguars and Jalen Hurts' injury. Still, it is a big game in the NFC East and the NFL.
College football: Hawaii Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. San Diego State, 6 p.m., ESPN
Both of these teams went 7-5 in the regular season and are looking to end the season with a bowl victory. It could be an entertaining, close game.
NFL: Raiders at Steelers, 6:15 p.m., NFL Network
The winner of this game will stay alive in the AFC playoff race for now. How cold will it be in Pittsburgh? Thankfully, you can watch from the comfort of your home.
More:NFL Week 16 announcers: Television broadcasters, announcing crews for Week 16 NFL schedule
Sunday, Dec. 25
NBA: 76ers at Knicks, 10 a.m., ABC, ESPN
The 76ers have won six straight games and are 7-3 in their last 10. The Knicks are 8-2 in their last 10. Not a bad way to start the NBA's Christmas Day slate.
NFL: Packers at Dolphins, 11 a.m., Fox
The Dolphins are still in position to make the playoffs, but three straight losses have made that position precarious. The Packers need a win to stay alive in the NFC. This game is big.
NBA: Lakers at Mavericks, 12:30 p.m., ABC, ESPN
The Mavericks are just 16-16, but are only four games out of first in the NBA's Western Conference. The Lakers, at 13-18, are only 6.5 games back.
NFL: Broncos at Rams, 2:30 p.m., CBS
Yes, this isn't the most exciting game on paper, but with both of these teams being so bad, maybe it will be a close one?
NBA: Grizzlies at Warriors, 6 p.m., ABC, ESPN
Hard to believe that the Warriors are just 15-18 on the season, but they are 12-2 at home, where this game will be played for Golden State.
NFL: Buccaneers at Cardinals, 6:20 p.m., NBC
The Buccaneers are just 6-8 and would currently host an NFC playoff game. Could the Cardinals hurt Tampa Bay's hopes?
NBA: Suns at Nuggets, 8:30 p.m., ABC, ESPN
Denver is right at the top of the NBA's Western Conference and is 10-3 at home. Phoenix is 5-9 away from home. Could be a very interesting late NBA game on Christmas Day.
More:Cardinals-Buccaneers scouting report: Tom Brady vs. Arizona, for maybe the last time
Monday, Dec. 26
College football: Quick Lane Bowl: New Mexico State vs. Bowling Green, 12:30 p.m., ESPN
Two 6-6 teams face off in what some are predicting to be a very close bowl game. ESPN gives Bowling Green a 52% chance to win.
NBA: Nets at Cavaliers, 5 p.m., NBA TV
The Nets get to face the Cavs after facing the Bucks. That's a rough two-game stretch, especially with Cleveland having a 16-2 record at home this season.
NFL: Chargers at Colts, 6:15 p.m., ESPN
The Chargers' playoff chances would look really good with a win over the Colts, who are going with Nick Foles at QB in this one.
NBA: Hornets at Trail Blazers, 8 p.m., NBA TV
The Hornets are just 8-24 this season and 4-13 on the road. The Blazers are 17-15, but they have only played 13 games at home, where they are 7-6 so far this season.
Click here for the complete Christmas weekend sports schedule.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Christmas sports on television schedule, TV listings, what to watch
