As is tradition, the NBA played five high-profile games on Christmas. When the ratings come out the following day, the NFL will almost certainly have drawn in more viewers.
You can bet the NBA's stakeholders are very aware of that fact, to the point that one of them outright challenged the rival league in his postgame interview. Speaking to ABC's broadcast crew after a thrilling Los Angeles Lakers win, noted football fan LeBron James said "I love the NFL. I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day."
LeBron James: I love the NFL. I love the NFL.