As the year draws to a close, sporting excitement intensifies for several of New York’s teams. The New York Knicks and St. John’s University are set to engage in a series of crucial matchups before the arrival of 2026. While some local teams may not be in playoff contention, their upcoming games still hold significant interest for fans. Here’s a look at the most anticipated sporting events in December.
Key Matchups for December
The month kicks off with the New York Giants facing the New England Patriots on December 1. This matchup marks the Monday Night Football debut of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is returning from a two-game absence due to a concussion. Additionally, this game features a showdown against second-year Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, whom the Giants sought to trade up for during the 2024 draft. Although the Giants (2-10) have been eliminated from playoff contention, Dart’s development remains a focal point for the team.
On December 6, St. John’s will take on Ole Miss at Madison Square Garden. Currently with a 4-3 record, the Johnnies are still finding their footing, having struggled against ranked opponents. Head coach Rick Pitino has designed a challenging non-conference schedule to help identify weaknesses within his largely new roster. Ole Miss, under coach Chris Beard, brings a strong defensive presence, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
The Knicks will host the Orlando Magic on December 7. The Magic have defeated the Knicks in both previous meetings this season, largely due to forward Franz Wagner, who has averaged 32.5 points on 56.1% shooting in those games. This rematch serves as an opportunity for the Knicks to assert themselves early in the season against a rival that is emerging as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Following that, on December 13, St. John’s faces Iona. This contest carries personal significance for Pitino, as it marks his first game against Iona since leaving for St. John’s prior to the 2023-24 season. Pitino had a successful stint at Iona, leading the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Giants will also meet the Washington Commanders on December 14. Historically, the Giants have enjoyed success against Washington, but the Commanders have triumphed in their last three encounters, including a victory in Week 1 of the current season. The health of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow, adds an element of uncertainty to this matchup.
Highlight Games Ahead
On December 16, St. John’s will begin its Big East schedule against DePaul. Last year, St. John’s achieved a remarkable 18-2 record in conference play, setting a high bar for this season. The game at Carnesecca Arena will be crucial for the Johnnies as they start their journey through the conference.
A highly anticipated match follows on December 20, when St. John’s takes on Kentucky. This encounter will be significant for Pitino, who previously coached the Wildcats to a national championship in 1996. The matchup will take place at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena as part of the CBS Sports Classic tournament, marking Pitino’s first game against Kentucky since 2016.
The New York Jets will play the New Orleans Saints on December 21. Although both teams are struggling this season, this match could play a crucial role in their future draft positions. The Saints (2-9) currently hold the No. 3 pick, while the Jets (2-9) are positioned for the No. 4 pick.
On December 23, the Knicks will travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. This game holds added intrigue following the October trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. The Knicks emerged victorious in their first meeting this season, winning 137-114 at Madison Square Garden.
In hockey, the New Jersey Devils will take on the New York Islanders on December 23 as well. Both teams are competing for the top spots in the Eastern Conference, and their previous matchup resulted in an overtime victory for the Islanders.
The Knicks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 25 in a Christmas Day showdown. The Cavaliers are the defending No. 1 seed in the East but have struggled for consistency this season. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers in their season opener, although the Cavaliers were missing key players Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter during that game.
Another notable rivalry game is set for December 27, when the New York Rangers visit the Islanders. The Rangers will seek redemption after a lopsided 5-0 loss to the Islanders earlier in the season.
The month concludes with the Jets hosting the Patriots on December 28. Despite their differing standings, the Jets were competitive in their first meeting, losing 27-14. The shift to MetLife Stadium might provide the Jets an opportunity to play spoiler against the Patriots, who are contending for the top seed in the AFC.
Lastly, on December 29, the Brooklyn Nets will welcome the Golden State Warriors to Barclays Center. This matchup is particularly appealing for fans eager to see Stephen Curry perform. Though the Nets are amidst a rebuilding phase, this game promises to be a highlight of the holiday season.
On December 31, the Knicks will conclude their December schedule against the San Antonio Spurs. Last year’s matchup featured a standout performance by rookie Victor Wembanyama, who scored 42 points. The Knicks will face a much-improved Spurs team this season, making this New Year’s Eve game a fitting end to a month filled with high-stakes matchups.
As December progresses, fans can expect thrilling action as New York’s teams strive to make their mark before the New Year.
