Cats in the NBA and NFL: Christmas Day Edition

Merry Christmas, folks! Along with all of the joy and good times that this holiday brings, today is also one of my favorite sports days of the year — roughly 13 straight hours of professional basketball. Toss in some gift opening, great food, and good people, and it’s a near-perfect day.

Traditionally, the NBA has played five games on Christmas Day. 2023 is no different.

As John Calipari continues to pump out talent from Kentucky to the NBA, Christmas Day games have been even more enjoyable to watch over the years for the Big Blue Nation. All five games today will include at least one former Wildcat in some form or fashion. By our count, a total of 12 former Kentucky players are members of one of the 10 teams that will be in action today, although three of them might not see the floor all that much.

The first game of the day at noon between the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks could have as many as five former Kentucky players suit up, although don’t be shocked if TyTy Washington, Chris Livingston, and Jacob Toppin don’t see the floor. You’ll still get to watch Immanuel Quickley and Julius Randle battle it out against Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, though. Not a bad way to start the festivities.

Also in action today will be plenty of star power. From Anthony Davis and Devin Booker to Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Tyrese Maxey, you’ll be able to watch at least one highly-talented former Wildcat at all times throughout Christmas while you sneak off from your family.

BBNBA Christmas Day

12:00 (ESPN) Bucks @ Knicks

• PG TyTy Washington (MIL)
• SF Chris Livingston (MIL)
• PF Julius Randle (NYK)
• SG Immanuel Quickley (NYK)
• SF Jacob Toppin (NYK)

2:30 (ABC/ESPN) Warriors @ Nuggets

• PG Jamal Murray (DEN)

5:00 (ABC/ESPN) Celtics @ Lakers

• C Anthony Davis (LAL)
• PF Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL)

8:00 (ESPN) 76ers @ Heat

• PG Tyrese Maxey (PHI)
• SG Tyler Herro (MIA)
• C Bam Adebayo (MIA)

10:30 (ESPN) Mavericks @ Suns

• SG Devin Booker (PHX)

BBNFL Christmas Day

The hardwood isn’t the only place you can watch sports on Christmas anymore. The NFL has staked its ground in Christmas Day games too over the last few years. After three games were scheduled in 2022, the NFL brought back three more for 2023.

Unfortunately, there isn’t nearly as much Kentucky flavor in these games as there is in the NBA, but if football is more your style than basketball, you’ll still have something UK-related to pay attention to today. The first game of the day between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs will feature safety Mike Edwards while the second game between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles includes wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson.

1:00 (CBS) Raiders @ Chiefs

• S Mike Edwards (KC)

4:30 (FOX) Giants @ Eagles

• WR Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG)

8:15 (ABC/ESPN+) Ravens @ 49ers

• No Kentucky players