The NBA’s 2025 Christmas lineup includes an exciting matchup featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets, two teams with a shared history through general manager Tim Connelly. Their rivalry deepened following an upset in the 2024 playoffs when Minnesota eliminated Denver from championship contention in the second round. These two teams have a knack for thrilling encounters, with memorable moments such as last year’s double overtime victory for the Timberwolves, spurred by a controversial foul on Russell Westbrook.
As they meet again this Christmas, both teams are navigating injury challenges. The Nuggets are still without key players Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, while the Timberwolves are adjusting to the absence of Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Nevertheless, both teams remain strong contenders in the Western Conference, making this pairing a highly anticipated event.
The game is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on December 25 at Ball Arena in Denver. Fans can catch the action on ABC/ESPN or via live stream on fuboTV. Current odds have Denver favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under set at 238.5.
Despite their injury woes, Denver has shown improvement in its depth this season. However, the absence of crucial players may hinder their performance against a Timberwolves squad that has been on a roll, winning 10 of their last 12 games, including high-profile victories over the Knicks and Thunder. Considering these factors, the Timberwolves appear to be the more reliable choice with the spread, making them a promising bet at +3.5.
While many might be inclined to predict a high-scoring game from Nikola Jokić in light of his teammates’ injuries, historical data suggests otherwise. Minnesota has effectively limited Jokić’s shot attempts in their recent matchups, averaging just 15.4 attempts per game against them over the past two seasons. Given this trend, a more diversified offensive output from Jokić seems likely, leading to the expectation that he may fall under 29.5 points in this Christmas showdown.
This festive matchup presents an exciting opportunity for fans to witness a key Western Conference rival battle, adding to the holiday spirit of competition and anticipation in the NBA.