New York Teams Gear Up for Key Matchups in December 2025
As the year draws to a close, several New York sports teams are entering pivotal stages in their respective seasons. The New York Knicks and St. John’s University face crucial matchups throughout December 2025, while other local teams also have significant games ahead. As the holiday season approaches, fans can look forward to a range of exciting contests that could define the trajectories of these teams.
Key Matchups for the Giants and Knicks
The New York Giants will kick off December with a highly anticipated game against the New England Patriots on December 1. This matchup marks the Monday Night Football debut of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who returns from a two-game absence due to a concussion. The Giants, currently at 2-10 and out of playoff contention, will focus on Dart’s development as they face the Patriots and their second-year quarterback, Drake Maye, who the Giants pursued during the 2024 draft.
On December 6, St. John’s will take on Ole Miss at Madison Square Garden. The Johnnies, with a record of 4-3, have struggled against ranked opponents, going 0-3 this season. Head coach Rick Pitino scheduled a challenging non-conference slate to help his team identify weaknesses early on. Ole Miss, led by coach Chris Beard, is known for its intense defensive play, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
The Knicks will face the Orlando Magic on December 7. The Magic have been a challenging opponent for the Knicks, having won both prior meetings this season. The Knicks hope to leverage home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden to turn the tide, especially with the potential absence of Magic star guard Paolo Banchero, who has been sidelined with a groin strain.
Intriguing Storylines for St. John’s and Other Local Teams
On December 13, St. John’s will compete against Iona for the first time since Pitino left the school to join the Johnnies. This game at Madison Square Garden carries significant emotional weight as Pitino reflects on his time at Iona, where he led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Giants will play their only divisional game of the month against the Washington Commanders on December 14. Historically dominant over Washington, the Giants will seek to break a three-game losing streak against them, which includes a defeat in Week 1. The status of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, recovering from an elbow injury, remains uncertain.
St. John’s will then face DePaul on December 16, marking their first Big East matchup of the season. The team aims to replicate last year’s impressive 18-2 conference record, as they begin their journey in a competitive conference.
On December 20, St. John’s will encounter Kentucky in a highly anticipated rematch. This marks Pitino’s first game against his former team since 2016 and will take place at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena as part of the CBS Sports Classic tournament.
Later in the month, the New York Jets will face the New Orleans Saints on December 21, a matchup that has implications for both teams as they vie for higher draft positions. Both teams currently hold a 2-9 record, making this game crucial for their long-term strategies.
The Knicks will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 23, a rematch of a significant trade that involved sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. The Knicks previously secured a win against the Timberwolves earlier this season, and the upcoming game promises to be competitive.
Two days later, the New York Rangers will face the New York Islanders on December 27. After a lopsided loss in their first meeting, the Rangers will look to rebound in this rivalry at UBS Arena.
The month concludes with the Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs on December 31. Last year’s matchup featured standout performances, and fans will be eager to see how Victor Wembanyama performs against the Knicks, provided he is recovered from his current injury.
As New York teams gear up for these critical games, the month of December promises excitement and potential turning points for franchises across the city. Fans will be watching closely as their teams strive to make their mark before the new year arrives.
