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 4.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Thursday, December 4
Raptors ML (-125 – 1.5 units)
Lakers at Raptors – 7:30 pm ET
I put this pick in a few hours before writing up today’s story, as I wanted subscribers to get a better number. I played Toronto at -125, but you’ll have to play it closer to -135 now. Still, this is a game I believe the Raptors will win, so I’d play this however you can.
Our VSiN betting splits show public action on Los Angeles, which is interesting considering Luka Doncic will miss the game. He just welcomed another child to his family, so he’s missing this one for personal reasons. Well, does the betting public not know that? Or do people just think the Luka-less Lakers should beat the Raptors? I’m not really sure. However, this feels like a good opportunity to back Toronto, even with RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl out for the home team.
This Raptors team is a top-10 group in both half-court points per 100 possessions (118.1) and half-court points allowed per 100 possessions (111.8). They’ve been excellent on both ends of the floor. They’re also playing this one at Scotiabank Arena, where they are 8-2 with a net rating of +7.5 this season.
It just feels like we’re getting a good price on the better team, plus we’re getting it with Toronto playing at home. Of course, Austin Reaves and LeBron James will be scary to go up against. However, the Raptors have all kinds of length and disruptors to put on both of them. They’ll also be aggressive in trapping them to force the other Lakers to beat them.
I also love this matchup for both Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram. Both players should get things going against a Los Angeles team that can struggle to defend in isolation.
RELATED: Check out our new live NBA in-game odds page!
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2025-26 NBA Record: 152-137 (+13.16 units)
Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers! I dove into all of this (and more) on the podcast!
