Every night of the 2025-26 NBA season gives us a fresh set of games and numbers to pick apart. This daily column digs into the best sides and totals on the board, using in-depth basketball analysis, betting trends, and our VSiN NBA betting splits to spot value. We’ll also be tackling these slates relentlessly on our live VSiN programming, which is why basketball fans should really consider a VSiN Pro subscription. Below you’ll find some NBA picks and predictions for December 1.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Monday, December 1
Pacers +7.5 (-118 – 1.5 units) & Pacers ML (+215 – 0.5 units) vs. Cavaliers
Cavaliers at Pacers – 7:00 pm ET
Cleveland’s play is starting to become a little concerning. The Cavaliers come into this one after having lost three straight games — both straight-up and against the spread. Cleveland is also down at 13th in the league in offensive rating (115.7) after finishing first (121.0) last year. This team just hasn’t looked as smooth offensively. And considering this is an above-average defensive team — and not a great one — the dip in offensive efficiency is enough to make the Cavaliers a questionable contender in the weakened Eastern Conference.
There’s a good chance Cleveland figures it all out. The Cavaliers have the same core they had last year, plus I like some of the moves they made on the margins. However, this could be a team to fade in the immediate future. And that definitely feels true tonight.
RELATED: Check out our new live NBA in-game odds page!
The Cavaliers are playing the second leg of a back-to-back. They also happened to put a lot of energy into last night’s too-little-too-late comeback attempt against the Celtics. They ended up losing that game 117-115. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley also played 39 minutes each.
Not only will Cleveland have tired legs here but the team is also just 3-6 ATS on the road this season. Meanwhile, Indiana is 7-3 ATS when playing at home, and Rick Carlisle’s team has covered in six straight. The Pacers are starting to get healthier, and they’re also getting some strong play at the center position. Jay Huff, an underrated offseason acquisition, is averaging 12.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game over this recent covering streak, turning into something of a diet Myles Turner for Indiana.
This just suddenly feels like a game the Pacers might be able to win. Indiana has been a pain in the tush for Cleveland in recent seasons, and the Pacers should get to them again this evening.
Additional Best Bets (Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Pistons ML vs. Hawks & Magic ML vs. Bulls (-162 – 1.5 units)
Suns +7.5 (-148 – 1.5 units) vs. Lakers
Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers! I dove into all of this on the podcast!
