Heat face Celtics Christmas Day in five-game slate

The Miami Heat will return to the NBA’s Christmas Day slate for the first time since 2023, facing the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in a 2:30 p.m. ET tipoff as part of a five-game holiday lineup. The matchup marks the Heat’s first Christmas Day game against Boston, continuing a high-profile rivalry that has produced multiple playoff meetings in recent seasons. The inclusion of Giannis Antetokounmpo on Miami’s roster helped secure the Heat a spot on the showcase, which also features Spurs-Knicks, 76ers-Lakers, Thunder-Timberwolves, and Nuggets-Warriors. In addition to Christmas plans, the Heat will open the 2026-27 season at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 21, with that game nationally televised by ESPN. Historically, the Heat own a strong Christmas record, entering this slate 12-2 on the holiday, and this appearance underscores a broader push to raise the team’s national profile after recent seasons outside the playoffs. The full 2026-27 schedule is expected to be released later this week, detailing further national TV slots and game times.