What happened: The league will feature real-time animation with Disney characters Mickey, Stitch, and Angel during the contest. The broadcast marks the third annual animated telecast under the Dunk the Halls banner and
Why it matters: The telecast provides an alternate viewing format for a high-profile holiday matchup between the two recent championship contenders. Both franchises have opened the 2026-27 campaign near the top of their conferences while carrying active winning streaks into mid-November.
By the numbers: San Antonio is 9-2 through 11 games in 2026-27 on a nine-game winning streak, while New York is 6-4 through 10 games after four consecutive victories.
What to watch: Both teams continue their regular-season schedules through the next six weeks before meeting for the holiday matchup.