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 12.
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NBA Best Bets Today – Friday, December 12
Pacers +7.5 (-110) vs. 76ers
Pacers at 76ers – 7:00 pm ET
The Pacers are 8-2 against the spread over the last 10 games. That stretch coincides with the arrival of “Switchblade” Jay Huff earning a bigger role at the center spot. Over the last 10 games, Huff is averaging 10.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. He’s also shooting 36.5% from deep. Huff is just doing a nice job of providing a rim-protecting presence on defense, along with a floor spacer on offense. That’s essentially what Myles Turner was for this Pacers team, so Rick Carlisle now has a group that isn’t as weak at center, his guards are excellent, Pascal Siakam is performing like an All-Star, and everybody knows the role they’re playing. That’s why this team is now looking way more competitive, and this just feels like too many points tonight.
If Joel Embiid still looked like an All-NBA performer, I’d be worried about Indiana’s center rotation going up against him. However, Embiid has looked like a shell of his former self. And the Pacers should like the way they match up from one through four. Of course, Tyrese Maxey will be the most explosive player on the floor, so that’s something Indiana will have to deal with. However, Andrew Nembhard will at least be physical with him. And I’m not sure Philadelphia has a major edge anywhere else.
It won’t surprise me if the Sixers win this game — they’re big favorites for a reason. However, winning and winning by eight are two very different things. I think the Pacers can hang around.
Warriors ML (-125 – 1.5 units) vs. Timberwolves
Timberwolves at Warriors – 10:00 pm ET
Over the last seven games, the Warriors have a net rating of +6.5 and a defensive rating of 106.6. This team has really been locked in on both ends of the floor, and Steph Curry is now being thrown back into the mix. It just feels like Golden State is about to start rattling off some wins at a high clip, and I love this matchup for the Dubs.
While the Wolves have won five of their last six, they are coming off a loss to the Devin Booker-less Suns. They have also failed to cover in four straight, so they aren’t exactly performing up to expectations.
Minnesota’s point guard situation is just a little unsteady right now, and this isn’t the team you want that problem against. Opponents are averaging more turnovers per game (16.1) against the Warriors than all but five other NBA teams. This Golden State team can really ramp up the ball pressure and force teams to make mistakes, and Minnesota might not have anybody reliable to steady the ship with Mike Conley being out tonight.
The Warriors are also 352-96 straight-up as home favorites under Steve Kerr. And they’re 47-18 SU when playing with at least three days of rest. Don’t underestimate what these big rest stretches can do for older teams. We just saw the Clippers nearly beat the Rockets in Houston.
Additional Best Bets (Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Pistons ML vs. Hawks & Mavericks ML vs. Nets (-130 – 1.5 units)
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2025-26 NBA Record: 171-163 (+6.11 units)
Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers! I dove into all of this (and more) on the podcast!
