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 22.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Monday, December 22
Hornets +9.5 (-115) vs. Cavaliers
Hornets at Cavaliers – 7:00 pm ET
The Hornets beat the Cavaliers 119-111 in overtime in Cleveland last Sunday, making this line a little confusing. Donovan Mitchell, who will be returning from a brief absence tonight, was on the floor for that loss. That said, the lineup we’ll see this evening won’t be all that different from the one we saw the last time these two clashed.
This Cavaliers team has lost three straight games. The team has also failed to cover in five straight, making them 8-21 against the spread on the season. They’re also 4-13 ATS at home. Meanwhile, the Hornets are 6-3-1 ATS over the last 10 games. And in that same 10-game sample, they have a higher net rating than the Cavaliers.
I just can’t come to grips with Cleveland being expected to win by double digits here. The team has lost four of its last five contests, with one coming against a Golden State team that was playing without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. They also have two losses to Chicago in the last week.
Of course, the general idea is that the Cavaliers are too talented to continue losing. That’s certainly what the sharps think, as Cleveland has looked like the sharper side over the last couple of games — and does again tonight. However, that hasn’t stopped the team from continuing to underwhelm. And it won’t be easy for the Cavaliers to wake up without Evan Mobley, who is one of the league’s best two-way performers.
Charlotte also happens to be pretty damn talented when playing at full strength, and the team will have LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel out there together tonight. That trio really should be able to help the Hornets avoid a lopsided loss. And that’s especially true with this being the first game in the Peacock doubleheader. Charlotte has a chance to show out on a national stage.
Additional Best Bets (Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Pelicans Alt +7.5 vs. Mavericks & Warriors ML vs. Magic (+113 – 1.5 units): I like the Pelicans to win against the Mavericks, but I’m giving myself a little extra cushion with the alternate spread. Dallas is a little banged up coming into this game, plus New Orleans has won four straight contests — and happens to be 13-3 ATS over the last 16. The Pelicans are also a little more talented than the Mavs, and they’re playing a little smarter under James Borrego. However, the second game is the reason I’m even looking to play Mavs-Pels. I love Golden State to beat Orlando, but I don’t want to lay the points. I just want to have the Warriors to handle their business. Jalen Suggs is doubtful for the Magic, who are already without Franz Wagner. I don’t like Orlando’s chances of creating good looks against a good Golden State defense, and potentially being without a point-of-attack menace like Suggs will be a killer against Stephen Curry.
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2025-26 NBA Record: 197-179 (+16.24 units)
Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers! I dove into all of this (and more) on the podcast!
