Best bets today for all sports: Thursday's picks include SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois men's college basketball play [12/18/2025]

Men's College Basketball: SIU-Edwardsville ML (-285)

• Edge: 7.7%
• Probability: 81.7%
• Men's College Basketball matchup: SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on SIU-Edwardsville to defeat Eastern Illinois at -285 odds. A 81.7% probability produces an edge of 7.7%, making this the strongest play for today's sports action.

Men's College Basketball: SIU-Edwardsville -6.5 (-110)

• Edge: 7.4%
• Probability: 59.8%
• NBA matchup: SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

SIU-Edwardsville -6.5 carries a 7.4% edge and a probability of 59.8% at -110 odds, according to our model.

NBA: Wizards +14.5 (-105)

• Edge: 6.6%
• Probability: 57.8%
• NBA Matchup: Wizards vs. Spurs (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Wizards +14.5 vs. Spurs at -105 odds shows a 6.6% edge, supported by a 57.8% probability in simulations.

Men's College Basketball: Pepperdine +3.5 (-108)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 6.5% edge and 58.4% probability make Pepperdine +3.5 vs. Long Beach State at a value play in the Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State matchup, per our model.

Men's College Basketball: Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State over 144.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 57.8%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State (8:30PM ET, Thursday)

Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State over 144.5 points at -108 odds presents a 5.9% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 57.8%.

Men's College Basketball: Charleston Southern -10.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 58.2%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: North Florida vs. Charleston Southern (11:00AM ET, Thursday)

Our model finds value on Charleston Southern -10.5 at -110 odds, supported by an edge of 5.9%.

NBA: Clippers +16.5 (-105)

• Edge: 5.2%
• Probability: 56.4%
• NBA Matchup: Clippers vs. Thunder (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has uncovered value on Clippers +16.5 at -105 odds. A 56.4% probability produces a 5.2% edge, making this a strong play for today's NBA action.

Men's College Basketball: Coastal Carolina ML (+184)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 36.4%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

A 5.1% edge on a 36.4% probability makes Coastal Carolina to win at +184 odds a solid value play in today's Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State matchup.

College Basketball: Western Carolina +33.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 56%
• College Basketball Matchup: Western Carolina vs. Georgia (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model projects value on Western Carolina +33.5 at -105 odds. A 56% probability produces a 4.8% edge, making Western Carolina the favorable side in Saturday’s college basketball matchup.

Men's College Basketball: Jackson State vs. Hampton over 139.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 56%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Clippers vs. Thunder (5:00PM ET, Thursday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Jackson State vs. Hampton over 139.5 points at -105 odds shows a 56% probability and a 4.8% edge.

Best sports bets today summary: Thursday, 12/18/2025

As of 9:33AM ET, here are our top bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (Men's College Basketball)	SIU-Edwardsville ML	-285 @ BetMGM	7.7%	81.7%
SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (Men's College Basketball)	SIU-Edwardsville -6.5	-110 @ BetMGM	7.4%	59.8%
Wizards vs. Spurs (NBA)	Wizards +14.5	-105 @ BetMGM	6.6%	57.8%
Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State (Men's College Basketball)	Pepperdine +3.5	-108 @ DraftKings	6.5%	58.4%
Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State (Men's College Basketball)	Over 144.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	5.9%	57.8%
North Florida vs. Charleston Southern (Men's College Basketball)	Charleston Southern -10.5	-110 @ FanDuel	5.9%	58.2%
Clippers vs. Thunder (NBA)	Clippers +16.5	-105 @ BetMGM	5.2%	56.4%
Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State (Men's College Basketball)	Coastal Carolina ML	+184 @ FanDuel	5.1%	36.4%
Western Carolina vs. Georgia (College Basketball)	Western Carolina +33.5	-105 @ DraftKings	4.8%	56%
Jackson State vs. Hampton (Men's College Basketball)	Over 139.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	4.8%	56%

List of upcoming matchups to bet on now [12/18/2025]

• NCAAM: North Florida vs. Charleston Southern (11:00AM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Jackson State vs. Hampton (5:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• NBA: Hawks vs. Hornets (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Western Carolina vs. Georgia (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Bradley vs. Indiana State (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Temple vs. Davidson (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NBA: Knicks vs. Pacers (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: American University vs. Virginia Commonwealth (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Conclusion

Our best bets are locked and loaded for December 18, 2025, featuring plays such as SIU-Edwardsville ML and SIU-Edwardsville -6.5. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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