Where and when to watch the NFL, NBA and more during the Christmas holiday – Spectrum News

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One of the best times of the year for sports fans around the nation is upon us.
Christmas brings heightened enjoyment for many as they gather around the TV to watch their favorite teams battle on the gridiron and hardwood.
Here’s a guide to all the NFL, NBA, college and highschool sports a fan could ask for.
A lone college football bowl game is taking center stage.
Hawaii vs. Cal, 8 p.m., on ESPN: The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl will be the culmination of the Golden Bears and the Rainbow Warriors’ seasons. The Golden Bears finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, while the Rainbow Warriors finished 8-4. Both teams are coming off a win on Nov. 29.
There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans, along with multiple NBA games.
Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m. on Netflix: The Cowboys will look to pick up a much-needed win as they battle for a playoff spot in a competitive NFC. The Commanders are eliminated from playoff contention, but they will look to play spoiler against their divisional rival.
Detroit at Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. on Netflix: Another divisional rivalry is set to take place later on Christmas as the Lions take on Minnesota. While the chances are slim, the Vikings are still in the race for the playoffs and will look to make a statement against the Lions. Detroit is in a much better position and will look to make a run at the NFC North divisional title with a win at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Denver at Kansas City, 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video: A dominant Broncos defense will look to contain a down-and-out Chiefs team. Kansas City has struggled as a team, resulting in them being eliminated from the postseason, but they will look to upset Denver on Christmas.
Cleveland at New York, noon on ESPN: Two of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams will battle it out on Christmas. The Knicks have had a strong start to the season, only dropping x games so far. The Cavs have played up to expectations, with Donavan Mitchell leading the way in the scoring department. 
San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: A defending champion Thunder roster is taking on the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs. Oklahoma City has been scorching hot since the start of the season, while being led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in points and assists. The Spurs have also played, but have missed Webenyama on and off in the past month because of a lingering calf injury. 
Dallas at Golden State, 5 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: Number 1 pick Cooper Flagg and the Mavs are gearing up to take on the Warriors’ aging dynasty. Dallas has yet to get its footing this season, while Golden State has been steady so far. The Mavs will try not to let injuries define them in this matchup. The Warriors will look to show why experience trumps athleticism.
Houston at Los Angeles, 8 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: Kevin Durant and the Rockets will visit Luka Doncic at Crypto.com Arena. With LeBron James showing his age, other Lakers’ stars have picked up the slack. Los Angeles has continued to show why they are a contender early in the Western Conference behind several key performances from Austin Reeves. The Rockets have been steady so far as well, showing why Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun are both premier players in the NBA.
Minnesota at Denver, 10:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: The Nikola Jokić-led Nuggets will host the Timberwolves in the last Christmas Day game. In a packed Western Confernece, Denver and Minnesota have shown in the past how competitive their matchups can get.
There will be three college football bowl games on tap, as well as two NBA games.
Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m. ESPN: The GameAbove Sports Bowl pits Central Michigan against Northwestern at Ford Field. Northwestern has only won one of their last five games, while Central Michigan has stayed relatively consistent, winning three of their last five.
New Mexico vs. Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. ESPN: The Lobos and Golden Gophers will battle it out at the Rate Bowl. The Lobos come into this one hot, not having lost a single game in the past five, while the Golden Gophers are just 3-2 in their past five matchups.
Florida International vs. UTSA, 8 p.m. ESPN: The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl has the Panthers and the Roadrunners battling it out the evening after Christmas. FIU has lost only one of their last five, while UTSA has stayed steady with three wins in their last five.
Philadephia at Chicago, 7:30 p.m. on Prime Video: The Bulls will look to get back on track as they take on the 76ers. Despite playing without Joel Embiid for most of the season, Philadephia has continued to stay competitive. Chicago has struggled of late, despite a blazing hot start to the season.
Los Angeles at Portland, 10 p.m. on Prime Video: Two teams mired with issues will battle it out on the hardwood in Moda Center. The aging Clippers have struggled to shake off the rust this season, while a young Blazers roster is trying to find their identity.
Saturday is full of meaningful football matchups.
Houston at Los Angeles, 4:30 p.m. on NFL Network: The Texans and Chargers are matched up with playoff seeding on the line. Houston and Los Angeles are both currently in the playoffs, but the matchup could affect which team the other plays in January. The Texans have had a resurgence late in the season, while the Chargers have been steady all season.
Baltimore at Green Bay, 8 p.m. on Peacock: The matchup between Baltimore and Green Bay is set for prime time. Both teams are firmly in the playoff race in their respective conferences. A win for either team would be huge for seeding down the line in January.
Eight college football bowl games will be on tap as well. Games start at 11 a.m. and run into the night on ESPN and ABC.
Ten NFL games will be on all throughout Sunday as usual, starting at 1 p.m. and ending in the late evening.

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