The Golden State Warriors will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA’s centre-piece game on Christmas Day for the third consecutive season.

As the defending champions, the Warriors get the reward of being home at oracle arena and will host the game at 3 ‘o’ clock tipping off a triple-header on ABC.

Play on the day also sees new -York Knicks playing away to Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics hosting Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets visiting Oklahoma City Thunders and Minnesota Timberwolves going up against the L.A Lakers.

Action meanwhile on opening night will feature both the Cavaliers and Warriors.

The Cavs will face the Celtics in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals while the warriors host a newly improved Rockets team that has been boosted with the arrival of all-star point guard Chris Paul.