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 5.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Friday, December 5
Heat vs. Magic OVER 240.5 (-113)
Heat at Magic – 7:00 pm ET
When looking at our VSiN betting splits pages — a great resource that makes the $60 Black Friday Special an awesome deal — it’s clear that public bettors like the Under here. Nearly 65% of bettors are jumping on the Under at DraftKings Sportsbook, but this number is moving up. That reverse line movement suggests there’s some sharp money on the Over. Well, I’m going to align myself with those sharp bettors tonight.
I understand why people might think this will be a low-scoring game. Both of these teams are currently top-10 in defensive efficiency, so this number looks very high. However, both of these teams are playing fast this season, and both groups have reliable shot-making. And if this game is played at a break-neck speed, we should see most of the players in this one finding ways to thrive.
Let’s just hope Tyler Herro is out there for Miami. He’s listed as questionable for the Heat, but we can really use his offensive ability in looking for a shootout.
Hornets +7.5 (-110) vs. Raptors
Hornets at Raptors – 7:30 pm ET
Under Darko Rajakovic, this Raptors team is 4-28 straight-up and 12-20 against the spread when facing teams that outrebound opponents by at least 3.0 rebounds per game. Well, the Hornets are third in the NBA in rebound rate (52.7%) this season, and they have been tough on the glass all year. That said, there’s a chance they bother the Raptors inside.
Toronto is also coming off a tough, emotional loss to Los Angeles last night, with Rui Hachimura burying the game-winning shot for the Lakers there. It’s hard to get up for another game after a loss like that — which is something because back-to-backs are already difficult.
Charlotte also played Toronto tough in this building a few weeks ago, losing 110-108 on November 17. And the Hornets beat the Raptors in Charlotte on November 29. That said, it shouldn’t shock anyone if this is competitive.
Additional Best Bets (Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Celtics ML vs. Lakers & Pistons ML vs. Blazers (-114 – 1.5 units)
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2025-26 NBA Record: 152-141 (+7.77 units)
Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers! I dove into all of this (and more) on the podcast!
