NBA picks today: Friday's best bets include Mavericks vs. Thunder play [12/5/2025]

Mavericks +14.5 (-102)

• Edge: 6.2%
• Probability: 56.7%
• Matchup: Mavericks vs. Thunder (9:30PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Mavericks +14.5 at -102 odds. A 56.7% probability produces an edge of 6.2%, making this the strongest play for today's NBA slate.

Jazz +15.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 58.2%
• Matchup: Jazz vs. Knicks (7:30PM ET, Friday)

Jazz +15.5 carries a 5.8% edge and a probability of 58.2% at -110 odds, according to our model.

Heat vs. Magic over 241.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 54.6%
• Matchup: Heat vs. Magic (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Heat vs. Magic over 241.5 points at -105 odds shows a 3.4% edge, supported by a 54.6% probability in simulations.

Lakers +6.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 54.2%
• Matchup: Lakers vs. Celtics (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.0% edge and 54.2% probability make Lakers +6.5 vs. Celtics at a value play in the Lakers vs. Celtics matchup, per our model.

76ers ML (-120)

• Edge: 2.9%
• Probability: 57.4%
• Matchup: 76ers vs. Bucks (8:00PM ET, Friday)

76ers ML at -120 odds presents a 2.9% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 57.4%.

Jazz ML (+825)

• Edge: 2.6%
• Probability: 13.5%
• Matchup: Jazz vs. Knicks (7:30PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Jazz to win at +825 odds, supported by an edge of 2.6%.

Suns +11.5 (-106)

• Edge: 2.4%
• Probability: 53.8%
• Matchup: Suns vs. Rockets (8:00PM ET, Friday) Our model has uncovered value on Suns +11.5 at -106 odds. A 53.8% probability produces a 2.4% edge, making this a strong play for today's NBA action.

Trail Blazers +7.5 (-108)

• Edge: 2.0%
• Probability: 54%
• Matchup: Trail Blazers vs. Pistons (7:30PM ET, Friday)

A 2.0% edge on a 54% probability makes Trail Blazers +7.5 at -108 odds a solid value play in today's Trail Blazers vs. Pistons matchup.

NBA best bets summary: Friday, 12/5/2025

As of 2:31AM ET, here are our top NBA bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Mavericks vs. Thunder	Mavericks +14.5	-102 @ DraftKings	6.2%	56.7%
Jazz vs. Knicks	Jazz +15.5	-110 @ BetMGM	5.8%	58.2%
Heat vs. Magic	Over 241.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	3.4%	54.6%
Lakers vs. Celtics	Lakers +6.5	-105 @ BetMGM	3.0%	54.2%
76ers vs. Bucks	76ers ML	-120 @ BetMGM	2.9%	57.4%
Jazz vs. Knicks	Jazz ML	+825 @ BetMGM	2.6%	13.5%
Suns vs. Rockets	Suns +11.5	-106 @ FanDuel	2.4%	53.8%
Trail Blazers vs. Pistons	Trail Blazers +7.5	-108 @ DraftKings	2.0%	54%

List of upcoming NBA games to bet on [12/5/2025]

• Lakers vs. Celtics (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Heat vs. Magic (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Jazz vs. Knicks (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Spurs vs. Cavaliers (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Hornets vs. Raptors (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Nuggets vs. Hawks (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Trail Blazers vs. Pistons (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Clippers vs. Grizzlies (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• Suns vs. Rockets (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• Pacers vs. Bulls (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• 76ers vs. Bucks (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• Mavericks vs. Thunder (9:30PM ET, Friday)

Conclusion

Our NBA best bets are locked and loaded for December 5, 2025, featuring plays such as Mavericks +14.5 and Jazz +15.5. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate NBA insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from 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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