Free NBA Picks: Predictions & Best Bets

Free picks on all NBA games for Dec. 24, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers logo CLE @ New York Knicks logo NY Dec 25 | 12:00 PM ET
Points Scored
Donovan Mitchell logo Donovan Mitchell o29.5 Points Scored (-110)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Corey Scott image
Corey Scott
Author

The last time Mitchell faced the Knicks, he dropped 29 points while shooting just 2 for 9 (22.2%) from beyond the arc. It’s unlikely that the 38.8% 3-point shooter on the season will shoot at such a low clip again on Christmas Day.

Points Scored
Karl-Anthony Towns logo Karl-Anthony Towns o21.5 Points Scored (-120)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Corey Scott image
Corey Scott
Author

This is somewhat of a key number, as Towns has scored 22 or more points in three of his last five games, including a 40-point performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Spread
New York Knicks logo NY -6.0 (-112)
Best Odds
Pick made: 11 hours ago
C Jackson Cowart image
C Jackson Cowart
Senior Publishing Editor

While all of the attention is focused on the Thunder out west, the Knicks have the best net rating (+7.1) in the Eastern Conference after winning 10 of its last 12 games including the NBA Cup championship. Meanwhile, the Cavs have been inconsistent without Evan Mobley, whose absence is a big deal against an uber-efficient New York frontcourt.

San Antonio Spurs logo SA @ Oklahoma City Thunder logo OKC Dec 25 | 2:30 PM ET
Total Points, Rebounds, and Assists
Dylan Harper logo Dylan Harper u17.5 Total Points, Rebounds, and Assists (-110)
Best Odds
Pick made: 8 hours ago

Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper hasn't cleared this PRA line in either of the two matchups against the Spurs. He's only done so in six of his previous 15 outings since the calendar flipped to November.

3-Pointers Made
Victor Wembanyama logo Victor Wembanyama o1.5 3-Pointers Made (+152)
Best Odds
Pick made: 8 hours ago

Victor Wembanyama's 3-point volume has been down since his return from injury, but that could easily change in this holiday matchup. He hit six 3-pointers in last year's Christmas Day contest.

Rebounds and Assists
Chet Holmgren logo Chet Holmgren u9.5 Rebounds and Assists (-122)
Best Odds
Pick made: 8 hours ago

Chet Holmgren hasn't come close to clearing this line in both matchups with the Spurs, who rank seventh in rebounds allowed. He has 10 total rebounds and one assist in those two games.

Spread
San Antonio Spurs logo SA +9.5 (-110)
Best Odds
Pick made: 11 hours ago
C Jackson Cowart image
C Jackson Cowart
Senior Publishing Editor

I was intrigued by the Spurs as massive underdogs in this matchup even before their 20-point win over OKC on Tuesday night, which came with Victor Wembanyama scoring just 12 points on nine attempts. I'd expect him to play a much bigger role tonight, especially if Chet Holmgren isn't 100 percent as the anchor for the Thunder's interior defense.

Dallas Mavericks logo DAL @ Golden State Warriors logo GS Dec 25 | 5:00 PM ET
Rebounds and Assists
Cooper Flagg logo Cooper Flagg o9.5 Rebounds and Assists (-125)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago

Cooper Flagg comes into his first Christmas Day matchup in great form. He's reached double figures in points + rebounds in five of his previous six contests after a nine-rebound, nine-assist performance against the Nuggets on Tuesday.

Points Scored
Klay Thompson logo Klay Thompson o11.5 Points Scored (+102)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Liam Fox image
Liam Fox
Publishing Editor

Klay Thompson had some very strong games against his former team last season.

Thompson went Over this total in four of five matchups versus the Warriors, finishing with 11 points in the lone exception.

Golden State is allowing an average of 24.2 points per game to shooting guards, the most the team gives up to any opposing position.

3-Pointers Made
Stephen Curry logo Stephen Curry o4.5 3-Pointers Made (+125)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Liam Fox image
Liam Fox
Publishing Editor

Stephen Curry hasn't slowed down one bit at 37 years old.

He's averaging a league-best 4.9 3-pointers per game and has hit at least five in two of his last three contests.

After he tallied eight long balls last Christmas against the Lakers, I have high confidence in Curry delivering again.

Points and Rebounds
Cooper Flagg logo Cooper Flagg o26.5 Points and Rebounds (-104)
Best Odds
Pick made: 7 hours ago
Liam Fox image
Liam Fox
Publishing Editor

Cooper Flagg has gone Over this points + rebounds total in seven of his last 10 games entering this Christmas matchup. The first overall pick is coming off a dominant 33-point, nine-rebound, and nine-assist performance in Tuesday's win over the Nuggets.

This will be the Warriors' first look at one of the NBA's future superstars, and I expect Flagg to take full advantage of the prime-time stage.

Spread
Golden State Warriors logo GS -8.5 (-102)
Best Odds
Pick made: 11 hours ago
C Jackson Cowart image
C Jackson Cowart
Senior Publishing Editor

Cooper Flagg has been sensational as a rookie for the Mavericks, but it hasn't meant much in the win-loss column with Dallas sitting 11th in the West with a below .500 ATS record, too. The Mavs' offense ranks in the bottom five leaguewide in scoring efficiency thanks to stagnant ball movement around Flagg, which won't fly against an elite Warriors defense that should feed off its home crowd on Christmas Day.

Houston Rockets logo HOU @ Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL Dec 25 | 8:00 PM ET
Points Scored
Kevin Durant logo Kevin Durant o24.5 Points Scored (-130)
Best Odds
Pick made: 4 hours ago

Durant has been at his most productive on the road, where he's averaging 25.6 points per game on 52.6% shooting, including 46.4% from 3-point range. The Lakers are allowing NBA-high 50% shooting at home, as well as an NBA-high 58.0% effective field-goal percentage, and KD has hit for at least 25 points on 13 occasions, nine of those on the road.

Points and Assists
Austin Reaves logo Austin Reaves o23.5 Points and Assists (-108)
Best Odds
Pick made: 4 hours ago

Reaves netted 17 points and a pair of assists in just 22 minutes during his return from a three-game absence Tuesday. He could be running with the first unit Thursday and is averaging 27.7 points and 6.1 asst. per 37.2 minutes per home game, so even a slight bump to 27-28 minutes may well get him over the hump.

Points Scored
LeBron James logo LeBron James o19.5 Points Scored (-123)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago

LeBron James has found his footing after a rough start to the year. He's scored 20-plus points in five of his previous six games. You better believe I'm betting on James in what could be his final Christmas Day game.

Spread
Houston Rockets logo HOU -3.0 (-110)
Best Odds
Pick made: 11 hours ago
C Jackson Cowart image
C Jackson Cowart
Senior Publishing Editor

The Lakers have the better record between these teams after the first two months, but a closer look reveals the Rockets are clearly the superior unit with a top-three net rating (+7.8) and the NBA's best rebounding rate (55.3%). That elite size should pose issues for the Lakers' underwhelming frontcourt in what could be the final Christmas Day matchup between longtime rivals LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Points Scored
Austin Reaves logo Austin Reaves o18.5 Points Scored (-123)
Best Odds
Pick made: 15 hours ago

Reaves made his return from a three-game absence due to a calf strain Tuesday against the Suns, and although he came off the bench, he still netted 17 points in in just 22 minutes. Reaves could be back in the first unit Thursday and potentially even play without Luka Doncic (leg), but in any circumstance, this is a very reachable prop for him after having exceeded it in 17 of 22 games to date.

Points
Alperen Sengun logo Alperen Sengun o5.5 Points (-132)
Best Odds
Pick made: 16 hours ago

Sengun has been a solid scorer in the opening period this season, shooting a blistering 83.8% from two-point range in the first quarter and recording at least six points in that split in 13 of 25 games overall. Meanwhile, the Lakers have been a generous first-quarter defense, tying for the third-most points allowed per first quarter per home game (32.2).

3-Pointers Made
Kevin Durant logo Kevin Durant o2.5 3-Pointers Made (+146)
Best Odds
Pick made: 16 hours ago

KD went into Tuesday's loss to the Clippers shooting 43.5% from 3-point range, and although he went just 1-for-4 from deep in that contest, he's already drained at least three 3s on eight occasions. Durant is also facing a Lakers defense that's struggled with perimeter defense all season and is allowing NBA-high 38.5% 3-point shooting.

Minnesota Timberwolves logo MIN @ Denver Nuggets logo DEN Dec 25 | 10:30 PM ET
Total Assists
Julius Randle logo Julius Randle u4.5 Total Assists (+117)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago

Julius Randle will prefer to use his size as a scorer in this matchup, which has been his mindset in recent games. Randle has only recorded five-plus assists once in his past five outings.

Points Scored
Jonas Valanciunas logo Jonas Valanciunas o7.5 Points Scored (-128)
Best Odds
Pick made: 7 hours ago

Backup center Jonas Valanciunas has helped Denver have a positive net rating without Nikola Jokic for the first time since 2021. Valanciunas has scored eight-plus points in 11 straight contests.

Points and Rebounds
Peyton Watson logo Peyton Watson u17.5 Points and Rebounds (-129)
Best Odds
Pick made: 7 hours ago

I'm skeptical that Peyton Watson's role will increase much without Cameron Johnson. Watson is averaging 4.3 fewer points and 2.2 fewer rebounds when playing without Johnson this year.

Points and Rebounds
Julius Randle logo Julius Randle o28.5 Points and Rebounds (-108)
Best Odds
Pick made: 17 hours ago

Randle delivered 31 points + rebounds against his old Knicks squad Tuesday after coming into the game averaging 22.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest. He also put up 31 and 32 points + rebounds against the Nuggets in their two prior meetings and has averaged 24.4 points and 7.4 boards against Denver in his last 10 games overall.

Points and Assists
Nikola Jokic logo Nikola Jokic o39.5 Points and Assists (-120)
Best Odds
Pick made: 18 hours ago

This is a very reachable number for Jokic in what should be a competitive game, after tallying 42 and 43 pts. + asst. in his two most recent games. Jokic has cleared this mark in 14 of 29 games overall, and the T-Wolves were just eviscerated by another offensive-minded big in KAT on Tuesday for 40 points.

Recent News

NBA picks & best bets today

Throughout the NBA season, our betting experts at Sportsbook Review break down the top matchups each night with their best picks and predictions. From opening tip in October to the NBA Finals in June, we’re here to help you find value in the odds and make smarter bets.

Our picks widget (above) gives you up-to-date NBA predictions for the night’s biggest games, with the best NBA odds from trusted sportsbooks. We have every marquee matchup covered, from national TV games to your favorite team’s back-to-back. You’ll find expert picks, sharp insights, and the best lines to bet on right now.

Each day at SBR, we feature confident NBA predictions on spreads, totals (Over/Unders), moneylines, NBA player props, and parlays (including SGPs). Whether you’re into points, rebounds, threes, or blocks, we dig into the numbers and trends to help you spot the best edges. We mix in safe plays and bold picks to keep your betting card fun and profitable.

Our experts track lineup news, rest days and load management, advanced stats, and the market itself to spot value before the lines move. We break down how recent form, head-to-head history, and matchup data impact the latest pregame odds. Every pick we publish is backed by data and real betting insights.

Bookmark this page for daily NBA picks, betting advice, and the latest lines from the pros at Sportsbook Review.

Free NBA moneyline picks

Moneyline bets are straightforward - just pick the team to win. Favorites have a minus (-), underdogs a plus (+). All they need to do to cash your bets is win the game.

Example:

TeamMoneyline odds
Celtics-200
Heat+160
  • $100 on Celtics (-200) wins $50 ($150 total payout)
  • $100 on Heat (+160) wins $160 ($260 total payout)

You can also bet the moneyline for each half or quarter. Bets are graded as soon as the game (or half or quarter) ends. Full-game moneyline results also include overtime, if necessary.

Free NBA Over/Under picks

Over/Under bets focus on the total points scored by both teams; alt markets allow you to bet on each team’s point total, or the Over/Under in either half or each quarter.

Example:

  • Line: Over/Under 222.5
  • Bet Over if you expect a high-scoring game and win the bet if the game finishes with 223 or more points
  • Bet Under if you expect defense to dominate and 222 or fewer total points to be scored

Half-point lines avoid ties. In the event of a line being set at a full point (222), all bets on either side will be voided as a tie, and you’ll get your initial stake back without a loss or profit if that’s the final combined point total.

Free NBA spread picks

NBA picks against the spread help to even the playing field by handicapping the matchups with a set number the favorites need to win by, or the underdogs need to stay within:

  • Favorite: -5.5 must win by 6-plus points
  • Underdog: +5.5 can win outright or lose by 5 or fewer points to cash bet tickets

Picks against the spread are one of the most popular NBA bets, and our experts break down how each team matches up. Betting the spread can keep any NBA matchup exciting, regardless of how lopsided it may seem on paper (or the scoreboard).

Free NBA prop picks

NBA player props let you bet on individual performances: points, rebounds, assists, threes, blocks, and more.

NBA prop bets let you wager on specific player or team outcomes that don’t rely on the final score. These bets are popular because they offer creative and exciting ways to bet on the NBA beyond the usual point spread or Over/Under.

Here are the most common NBA prop betting markets:

  • Player points – i.e., Stephen Curry Over/Under 27.5 points
  • Assists – Tyrese Haliburton Over 10.5 assists (-110)
  • Rebounds – Nikola Jokic Over 12.5 rebounds (+100)
  • 3-pointers made – Damian Lillard to hit 4+ threes (+130)
  • Double-double or triple-double – Luka Doncic to record a triple-double (+1200)
  • First basket scorer – Victor Wembanyama to score the first basket (+700)
  • Steals, blocks, turnovers, minutes played, and other niche stats

Team prop bets allow you to bet on team performance, such as:

  • Total points – i.e., Celtics Over 112.5 total points
  • First team to score 20 points
  • Race to 10/20/30 points
  • Team totals by quarter or half

Example NBA prop bet, let’s say the Lakers are playing the Warriors.

  • LeBron James Over 8.5 rebounds (-105)
  • Anthony Davis to record a double-double (+140)
  • Warriors Over 13.5 made 3-pointers (-110)

If you believe the game will be fast-paced with lots of shots, the Over on Davis’ rebounds and the Warriors’ threes might be solid picks.

Why bet NBA props?

  • Player-centric: Great for fantasy basketball fans
  • Bet-specific edges: Odds don’t always adjust fast to injuries or matchups
  • Entertainment value: More action throughout the game, not just at the end

Tips for NBA prop betting

  • Monitor injury news, especially for usage-heavy stars
  • Study recent matchups and player splits (i.e., home/road, vs. specific teams)
  • Use pace and possession stats to anticipate volume
  • Compare odds across sportsbooks to find the best value

How we make our NBA picks & predictions

We always start with one goal: get the best odds available. That’s the key to making NBA picks profitable over time. Don’t take -125 when another sportsbook is offering -110 on the same bet.

Before that, we analyze stats, matchups, injuries, and trends. We study shooting splits, usage rates, and defensive metrics. We track how lineups and matchups influence player props. Then we give you our top picks, with the same bets we’d make ourselves.

Advanced NBA stats can give bettors a serious edge when handicapping games and player props. One of the most important is usage rate (USG%), which shows how often a player is involved in his team’s offense while on the court. A high usage rate often means more scoring, assist, and rebound opportunities - especially when a teammate is out and a player takes on a bigger role. Combine this with pace, which measures how many possessions a team uses per game, and you can spot high-scoring matchups perfect for betting Overs on points, assists, and rebounds. Sportsbooks can be slow to adjust the nightly prop lines for mid-tier players who don’t receive a high amount of betting action, so act if you’re spotting changes in some of these playing-time and efficiency-based statistics.

Other key stats include true shooting percentage (TS%), which measures a player's efficiency across field goals, 3-pointers, and free throws. This helps you identify value on scoring props. Rebound rate and assist rate are also more telling than simple per-game averages, because they show how productive players are per opportunity. And from a team standpoint, defensive rating helps you target mismatches - like betting the Over on a guard’s points or assists when facing a poor perimeter defense. Advanced metrics can help you find edges that aren’t obvious from surface-level stats.

Don’t overreact to injury news or headlines. The books are usually ahead of that. Instead, we focus on market movement and closing line value (CLV). That’s how you stay sharp.

Balance is key. Take a mix of favorites, underdogs, props, and parlays. Manage your bankroll and stick to picks you trust.

Why trust our experts?

We’ve been helping bettors for more than 20 years. SBR is a trusted name in picks and honest reviews of the best NBA betting sites.

Our experts stick to what they know and only recommend picks they’d bet themselves. We back each prediction with data, matchups, and odds value, plus our 1-to-5-star confidence ratings to show how strongly we feel about each play.

You should trust Sportsbook Review's NBA betting experts for several key reasons, built on their long-standing reputation and rigorous methodology:

  • Over 20 years of experience: SBR has a proven track record spanning more than two decades in the sports betting industry.
  • Honest and transparent reviews: We are known not just for picks, but for providing objective reviews of betting sites.
  • Experts bet their own picks: The experts only recommend wagers they are confident enough to place themselves, demonstrating genuine belief in their analysis.
  • Data-driven approach: Every prediction is backed by verifiable data, detailed matchup analysis, and an understanding of odds value, rather than just gut feelings.
  • Confidence ratings: Our experts provide a 1-to-5-star confidence rating for each pick, indicating the strength of their conviction and helping you gauge risk.

Find more free picks