NBA Best Bets Today: Top Betting Predictions for Friday Dec. 5th

Winning an NBA bet or two can be a great way to boost your Christmas shopping bankroll, and with 12 games on Friday night, there are plenty of markets for fans to choose from. 

To give you a helping hand, we’ve identified three as our Best NBA Bets of the Day.

Of course, with 12 games and a couple of hundred markets per game, there are more than just three good bets available. These are just the three we like most.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

Typically, a clash between these two storied rivals is almost predestined to be a great game. However, neither team will be anywhere close to full strength. The Lakers will be without Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart, and the Celtics will be down Jayson Tatum and could be without Jaylen Brown as well.

Brown is considered questionable after missing Thursday’s game due to illness.

Our Pick: Lakers +7 at -114 (FanDuel)

There is a strong chance that the Celtics will have Jaylen Brown back, but the Lakers will be down two of their best players. However, Austin Reeves has already proven he can step up and fill the void, but he will not have to do it alone, with DeAndre Ayton and LeBron James chipping in.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Lakers win, but out of respect for the Celtics, I'll take the Lakers and the points.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Spurs have been without the services of Stephon Castle and Victor Wembenyama for some time, but have managed to keep winning (seven of their last nine) despite their absence. Cleveland, however, is missing more than a couple of players: Darius Garland, Max Strus, Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill, and Larry Nance Jr.

Cleveland started the season well, going 7-3, but has struggled since then, going 6-7 in their last 13 games. They are playing at home, where they have lost three of their previous five games, including their last game on Wednesday (vs. Portland, 122-110).

Our Pick: San Antonio +5 at -110 (FanDuel)

Donovan Mitchell is doing his best to carry the Cavs with so many guys hurt. But with the Spurs likely focused on slowing him down, Cleveland will need someone to step up. I’m not confident in anyone having what it takes.

Cleveland is still a good team, but the Spurs are playing better basketball right now and will make a game of it.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder are 21-1; the Mavericks are 8-15; if that’s all you need to hear to get behind the Thunder, that’s understandable. But the Mavericks have been playing solid ball lately, winning their last three and playing solid defense.

The Thunder are dealing with a long list of injuries, but they still have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and have only lost once this season.

Our Pick: Mavericks +15.5

Oklahoma City should win this game; they’ve been dealing with injuries all year long. This game will be no different. However, while they have been dominating on the court and winning games, they aren’t covering with any regularity.

They have gone 5-5 ATS at home and 3-9 ATS in their last nine, all double-digit spreads.