The NBA’s Christmas Day slate is always a marquee moment on the calendar, but this year’s lineup brings a unique twist: every single game features at least one player going up against a former team. That’s right - five games, five reunions, and plenty of emotional subplots to unwrap alongside the on-court action. Let’s dive into the matchups and the familiar faces who’ll be seeing some old friends - and maybe stirring up some old memories.
Cavaliers at Knicks: Jordan Clarkson and Mike Brown Face Familiar Foes
Jordan Clarkson has worn a few jerseys in his NBA journey, and this Christmas, he’ll be suiting up for the Knicks against not one, but two of his former teams. After spending the last several seasons with the Utah Jazz, Clarkson landed in New York - but before Utah, he had a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, he’ll face the Cavs at Madison Square Garden, a team he once helped reach the NBA Finals alongside LeBron James.
Clarkson has already been making his presence felt in the Big Apple. In a recent win over the Raptors, he came off the bench and dropped 13 points, adding two assists and a block in just over 20 minutes of action. He’s brought scoring punch and veteran savvy to a Knicks team that’s looking to make noise in the East.
He won’t be the only one with Cleveland ties. Knicks head coach Mike Brown also has deep roots with the Cavaliers, having coached them - and LeBron - in the late 2000s. Brown’s experience and defensive mindset have helped shape this Knicks squad into one of the more disciplined units in the league.
Spurs at Thunder: Bismack Biyombo’s Blink-and-You-Missed-It OKC Stint
This one might fly under the radar, but technically, Bismack Biyombo will be facing a former team when the Spurs travel to Oklahoma City. His time with the Thunder was short - just 10 games, playing around seven minutes a night - but it still counts in the record books.
While Biyombo’s Thunder tenure didn’t move the needle much, he’s found a role in San Antonio, providing veteran leadership and rim protection for a young Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama. Don’t expect a tribute video, but hey, it’s still a reunion.
Mavericks at Warriors: Klay Thompson Returns to the Bay
This is the headline act of the day - the emotional centerpiece of the Christmas slate. Klay Thompson is heading back to Chase Center, but this time, he’ll be wearing a Dallas Mavericks uniform.
Thompson spent 11 seasons with the Warriors, helping bring four championships to the Bay Area and becoming one half of the legendary “Splash Brothers” duo with Stephen Curry. His return is sure to be a moment. Expect a standing ovation, maybe some tears, and definitely a few deep threes.
Jason Kidd recently praised Klay’s energy and intensity, saying it’s been a galvanizing force for this Mavericks team. That kind of veteran presence is exactly what Dallas was looking for - and Thompson’s ability to deliver in big moments is tailor-made for a high-profile matchup like this.
Also making a return to Golden State is D’Angelo Russell, though his time with the Warriors was brief - just half a season before being traded. Still, he’s another subplot in what promises to be a high-octane showdown between two Western Conference contenders.
Rockets at Lakers: Dorian Finney-Smith Back in L.A.
Dorian Finney-Smith made a strong impression during his short stint with the Lakers last season. He played tough defense, knocked down timely threes, and quickly became a fan favorite - the kind of glue guy every contender needs.
Now, he’s with the Houston Rockets, and he’ll return to Crypto.com Arena to face his former team on Christmas night. While his time in L.A. was short-lived, it was impactful, and you can bet Lakers fans will remember his hustle and effort.
Also worth noting: Rockets head coach Ime Udoka once wore the purple and gold himself, way back in the early 2000s. But given how long ago that was, the spotlight here is firmly on Finney-Smith, who’s expected to play a key role in Houston’s defensive schemes against LeBron and company.
Timberwolves at Nuggets: Bones Hyland Comes Back to Denver
This one might carry the most bittersweet energy of the day. Bones Hyland was a promising young guard for the Nuggets, but he was traded just months before Denver went on to win the NBA title. He missed out on a ring by four months - a tough pill to swallow for any competitor.
Now with the Timberwolves, Hyland returns to Ball Arena for a Christmas Day clash. And while there may be some what-ifs floating around, there’s also an opportunity for redemption.
Bones has carved out a role in Minnesota’s rotation, providing scoring and playmaking off the bench. You can bet he’ll be motivated to show Denver what they’re missing.
Final Thoughts
From emotional homecomings to brief-but-real reunions, this year’s Christmas Day slate is loaded with storylines that go beyond the box score. These aren’t just five games - they’re five chapters in the ever-evolving NBA narrative, with players stepping back into arenas that once cheered for them, now trying to beat the teams they used to call home.
So whether it’s Klay’s return to the Bay, Clarkson facing the Cavs, or Bones Hyland revisiting what could’ve been, this Christmas Day is shaping up to be more than just basketball. It’s about legacy, memories, and the ever-turning wheel of the NBA.