Here’s a quick look at the NBA games scheduled for December 17, with a preview of each matchup and a prediction on who has the edge. These games feature key stars, tough defensive battles, and a few players who could make the difference.

Here is the full National Basketball Association schedule for Dec. 18 and how to watch all the games. Or see our sortable NBA schedule to filter by team or division. All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at 4:21 a.m.

The Rockets will face the Clippers on 1. Here is the game prediction, probable starting lineups and injury reports.

Barring a series of unexpected wins in the next two weeks, the Clippers' season will be over before 2026, forcing Steve Ballmer and Lawrence Frank to make uncomfortable decisions. Whether they keep the future of the franchise in mind when making these decisions remains to be seen.

The NBA Cup moved into the quarterfinal rounds with two games in the East Tuesday and two in the West on Wednesday.

The Clippers will host New Orleans on Oct. 31, play at Dallas on Nov. 14 and at the Lakers on Nov. 25 before hosting Memphis on Nov. 28. The full 2025-26 schedule will be revealed on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Clippers waived forward Jahmyl Telfort on Thursday in another roster move for the struggling team.

Contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have advanced to the knockout round of the 2025 NBA Cup.