2025 NBA Christmas Betting Preview: Predictions, Odds, and Best Bets

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. NY Knicks Odds, Prediction, and Betting Picks

Fresh off their NBA Cup win, the New York Knicks will look to make a big impression on Christmas against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is a marquee Eastern Conference matchup between two teams with a legitimate chance to reach the NBA Finals. With the East wide open, both Cleveland and New York are firmly in the hunt.

The Knicks are on the Detroit Pistons’ heels for the conference lead, while the Cavaliers have some work to do as they hover around the playoff bubble. It’s been an up-and-down season for Cleveland, with little rhythm or consistency.

Donovan Mitchell has often looked frustrated, and it’s understandable given the Cavaliers’ inconsistency. He’s been carrying the load, pushing Cleveland to nearly 120 points per game for a borderline top 10 offense. Mitchell is averaging 30.7 points per game on 49.3% shooting this season. The Cavaliers are generating quality looks on offense, but they must tighten up defensively against the Knicks.

Cleveland ranks in the bottom half of the NBA in points allowed per game. They’ve been solid enough in the paint with Jarrett Allen and defending DPOY Evan Mobley, but Mobley will miss this one with a calf injury, leaving the middle of the floor vulnerable on Christmas. Karl-Anthony Towns should dominate in Mobley’s absence.

OH MY KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS 🤯💥

🏀 Knicks/Raptors on Prime
🏆 Winner faces ORL in Semifinals in Vegas

NYK in front late in the 2Q… watch here: https://t.co/7wA0jerwRL pic.twitter.com/DS1o2IDIvZ

— NBA (@NBA) December 10, 2025

The Cavaliers’ biggest issues have come on the perimeter. Opponents are shooting better than 36% from three against them, a bottom-10 mark in the league. Conversely, the Knicks rank fifth in three-point percentage at 37.5%. New York also has the personnel to slow down Mitchell, including OG Anunoby, so his one-dimensional offense doesn’t scare me much in this spot.

Expect Jalen Brunson and Towns to have standout games and lead the Knicks. At -5.5, New York should win and cover. The Knicks are 13-2 against the spread (ATS) at home and should continue that trend on Thursday. In short, the Knicks are one of the best NBA Christmas Day betting picks.

Cavaliers vs. Knicks NBA Christmas Game Predictions

• Point Spread: NY Knicks -5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: New York Knicks (-200)
• Total: Over 235.5 (-110)

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San Antonio Spurs vs. OKC Thunder Odds, Prediction, and Betting Picks

The Thunder will look to build on their NBA-best record in a revenge spot against the San Antonio Spurs. San Antonio knocked the Thunder out of the NBA Cup with a 111–109 win in the semifinals. With Victor Wembanyama back on the floor, the Spurs shocked the Thunder to pull off the upset.

The Spurs are a different team with and without Wembanyama. Although they’ve played well in his absence, they don’t consistently beat top teams when he isn’t healthy. Sitting second in the Western Conference, the Spurs are in a tight battle with the Nuggets and Lakers.

It’s a crowded Western Conference behind the Thunder, who have lost just three games this season. Oklahoma City is loaded with depth and led by NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the backcourt. However, in this special Christmas matchup, laying double digits doesn’t offer much value. The Spurs should be able to limit the Thunder offensively just enough to hang around.

100 STRAIGHT GAMES WITH A BLOCK.

Only the 3rd player to do it since blocks were first recorded in 1973-74!

VICTOR. WEMBANYAMA. 👽 pic.twitter.com/msv113B5ey

— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025

San Antonio is in the top 10 defensively, allowing fewer than 110 points per game in 2025–26. With Wembanyama’s shot-blocking ability, the Spurs are tough to score on in the paint. He also has the athleticism to defend on the perimeter when needed. Offensively, the Spurs are in solid shape as well.

They rank in the top 10 in scoring, averaging about 120 points per game, just two points shy of the Thunder. Wembanyama is putting up huge numbers, with 25.1 points per game on 51.5% shooting. He’s joined by De’Aaron Fox, who has been a strong addition from the Sacramento Kings. With Stephon Castle improving in his second year, the Spurs are firmly in contention.

The revenge angle favors the Thunder, but laying double digits against a strong Spurs squad is too much. I’m siding with San Antonio at +10.5 and the under for my best NBA Christmas betting picks.

Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Christmas Game Predictions

• Point Spread: San Antonio Spurs +11.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: OKC Thunder (-550)
• Total: Under 232.5 (-110)

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Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors Odds, Prediction, and Betting Picks

The veteran-laden Golden State Warriors welcome the Dallas Mavericks to the Bay Area for a Christmas Day showdown. The Warriors, similar to the Cavaliers, are stuck in no man’s land. They haven’t played well enough to be considered amongst the elite teams and aren’t that bad to consider it a lost year yet.

Nevertheless, the Warriors are delaying the inevitable and will likely need to go full rebuild mode before long. Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green are all at least 35 years old. The offense is failing to keep pace with some of the other fast-paced teams in the NBA.

With roughly 115 points per game, the Warriors rank in the bottom quarter of the league. That’s a problem for a team that has prided itself on being a lights out shooting team in past years. With less shots falling, Steve Kerr’s system isn’t operating too efficiently. His contract ends at the end of the year, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave the organization after this season.

The Warriors own a +1.2-point differential, which is one of the most mediocre numbers in the league. Although the Mavericks are at -3.8, they’ve had some solid moments as of late. They took down the red-hot Pistons in an 116-114 OT win and defeated the Rockets earlier this month, 122-109.

Dallas has done well in the underdog role. They’re 12-8-0 against the spread (ATS) as an underdog, so punching above their class in that regard. Conversely, the Warriors are only 8-11 ATS as a betting favorite.

Cooper Flagg has showcased why he was the obvious No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg is averaging 18.8 points per game on 47.8% shooting from the floor. He’s showing improvement with each passing game, and he should have a good showing here.

4 straight games of 20+ for Cooper Flagg 🔥

The only other 18-year-old to do this?

LeBron James in December 2003. pic.twitter.com/9IVCetne4i

— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2025

In November, Flagg scored 17.8 points per game on 47.7% shooting. He’s notched 24 points per game and better than 50% so far in December. I have confidence in Flagg and Anthony Davis putting up a fight against an overpriced Warriors squad in this matchup. The Warriors like to shoot the three with Curry, but the Mavericks are first against the three ball on defense.

In a tight 4th quarter, I’ll side with the Mavericks to cover the points as an underdog. As one of my best NBA Christmas picks, the Mavericks are near the top of my selections at +7.5.

Mavericks vs. Warriors NBA Christmas Game Predictions

• Point Spread: Dallas Mavericks +7.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Dallas Mavericks (+280)
• Total: Under 227.5 (-110)

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Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers Odds, Prediction, and Betting Picks

In what oddsmakers expect to be a tight matchup, the Houston Rockets have moved to 2.5-point favorites at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers actually opened as 1.5-point favorites, but an injury to Luka Doncic has bettors spooked.

On Saturday night, Doncic left the Lakers’ 103-88 loss to the Clippers with a leg injury. He’s dealing with a lower leg contusion after he was seen limping in the second quarter. His status is currently unclear, but the early signs weren’t encouraging.

If Doncic can’t go, the Lakers are in a difficult spot against an athletic Rockets team. Even at -2.5, the number may not fully account for an injured or absent Doncic. Los Angeles will have to contend with a lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr.

mama, there goes THAT MAN.@KDTrey5 pic.twitter.com/zn11kJeOBA

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 21, 2025

If LeBron James can turn back the clock and play like he’s in his prime, the Lakers will have a shot. However, they’re currently dealing with too many injuries. In addition to Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton have missed time recently.

The Lakers could have some of those pieces back by Christmas, but Doncic’s status remains murky. It’s going to be tough to keep up with the Rockets at anything less than full strength. Houston enters this matchup ranked second in the NBA in point differential at nearly +10, trailing only the Thunder. Meanwhile, the Lakers sit at +1.2, similar to the Warriors.

On top of that, the Rockets rank in the top five in both points scored and points allowed per game. They’ve also been a strong bet on the road, going 10-5-0 ATS through 15 away games. I’m taking the Rockets to cover the spread for my 2025 NBA Christmas best bets!

Rockets vs. Lakers NBA Christmas Game Predictions

• Point Spread: Houston Rockets -2.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: Houston Rockets (-145)
• Total: Over 230.5 (-110)

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Odds, Prediction, and Betting Picks

In what could be the most entertaining game on Christmas Day, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets clash in what should be a tight, high-scoring affair. Look for the scoreboard to be busy, as the Timberwolves and Nuggets go back and forth in Colorado.

The Timberwolves enter feeling fairly confident in their chances. They have a roster that matches up pretty well with the Nuggets. In their last 20 matchups, they’ve nearly split their games, with the Timberwolves holding a small edge at 11-9. Since May 2024, the Timberwolves are 6-2 over the Nuggets, so they know how to compete against Nikola Jokic and company.

Minnesota has held up well on both ends of the floor. They’re in the top 10 in points for and points against this season. Most importantly, the Timberwolves are one of the best teams in the league from downtown. They are shooting 37.5% from three, which nearly puts them neck and neck with the Nuggets.

Anthony Edwards is fully capable of getting into a shootout with the Nuggets and matching their output. He led the Timberwolves in a huge 112-107 win over the Thunder on Friday. Edwards netted 26 points, while Julius Randle chipped in with 19 in the signature victory.

ANTHONY EDWARDS SHOWED OUT IN A BIG WIN!

🐜 26 PTS
🐜 12 REB
🐜 3 STL
🐜 2 BLK
🐜 3 3PM

Adds the go-ahead triple, game-winning block, and game-icing steal 😤 pic.twitter.com/tdC7LytAoJ

— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025

This matchup should go down to the wire, so the points are a bargain at +5.5. In addition to backing the Timberwolves on the point spread, consider a small bet on the moneyline and side with over 237.5 points. All things considered, the Timberwolves are one of the best NBA Christmas Day betting picks.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets NBA Christmas Game Predictions

• Point Spread: Minnesota Timberwolves +5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Minnesota Timberwolves (+155)
• Total: Over 237.5 (-110)

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