Welcome to the NBA Best Bets today for Thursday, December 5th. There are eight games on this wonderful Thursday and some expected great matches. Five games have a spread of less than 4 points – which are usually thrilling, back-and-forth games. There are a couple of blowouts, but anyone the Washington Wizards play will be projected to be a victory with a large spread. There is a pick in that game, but the Bet of the Night comes from deep in the heart of Texas. Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/5

Before getting into today's NBA Best Bets, let's review how yesterday went with our NBA picks. Jayson Tatum sat out last night with rest and his bet was voided. Giannis Antetokounmpo failed us for the second day in a row, so we will stay away from him as the hype doesn’t match the sportsbooks' lines.

The over in the Los Angeles Lakers versus Miami Heat game was safely achieved despite the Lakers not reaching 100 points. The Heat absolutely demolished the Lakers with a 134-93 victory at the Kaseya Center. Now let's dive into top NBA predictions and props for Thursday night. 

*All odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise
 

 

 

Bulls vs. Spurs Prediction: Thursday, 12/5

BET OF THE NIGHT

The San Antonio Spurs host the Chicago Bulls at the Frost Bank Center tonight. The total of 237.5 is not the highest of the night, but this game could be the highest-scoring game today. The Spurs will be without their star, Victor Wembanayama, as he tweaked his back against the Phoenix Suns. This could help out our pick for tonight’s game. 

Chris Paul earned double-digit assists more than once in Wembanyama’s absence this season. Fantasy Alarm bet on him successfully twice during that span as well, and at plus odds we are predicting it to happen again.

LeBron James gets all the credit as an elite 39-year-old basketball player, but we should be praising Chris Paul just as much. He turns 40 in May and is almost averaging a double-double. His 10.3 points and 8.2 assists per game are decent numbers when playing with a superstar who commands the ball to be effective. 

Paul’s numbers will increase without Wembanyama, and he had 10 assists against the Sacramento Kings on the first of this month. He has had 10 or more assists in several games this season too. The Bulls allow the most points in the NBA with 123.2, yes more than the Washington Wizards. More points usually mean more assists, which is good for this bet.

One last point is Chris Paul is just under 100 assists away from passing Jason Kidd for second-most all-time. He could take a big leap in another game without Wembanyama. Put a unit on the veteran to get 10 or more dimes tonight. 

 

 

 

Thunder vs. Raptors Prediction: Thursday, 12/5

While Chris Paul is at the end of his career, Scottie Barnes’ career is still ramping up. The 2021-22 Rookie of the Year scored a career-high 35 points in his most recent game. He also earned 9 assists in that game, displaying his elite court vision.

Barnes has 7 or more assists in 6 straight games and in all but one since his return from an injury. The Raptors host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Scotiabank Arena and the Thunder are excellent at defending the point guard. 

The Thunder attack the perimeter great as a team and Barnes should be looking for open teammates as they look to take away his scoring ability. Toronto scores an average of 8.5 more points per game at home, which also aids this prediction. 

Barnes has 9 assists in 3 of his last 4 home games. Although the Thunder have a great defense, the Raptors have a winning record at home (6-4). Expect Barnes to keep his high assists rate up. Put a unit on the juiced line.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 12/5

Our last NBA pick today is on the Dallas Mavericks at Washington Wizards matchup. The biggest fear in a game against the Wizards is a blowout, causing the starters to sit more minutes. There is one position that does not change minutes in a blowout or a tight game, though. That is the Mavericks' center rotation. 

 

 

 

Mavericks vs. Wizards Prediction: Thursday, 12/5

Dereck Lively earned a double-double in the Dallas Mavericks' most recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Mavericks continue their road tour against a team that has lost 15 games in a row. That is over a month without a victory, and they only have one win at home.

Lively is becoming more and more the stand-out on a team with four centers. They each play but Lively is averaging 23.1 minutes and played over thirty minutes in their most recent match. He will have an opportunity to get early statistics and beef up his chances at a double-double.

Last week, Lively was mentioned for this bet at positive money and it was a cash-out at halftime. If you see the positive money option to cash out it could be a good way to go if the Mavericks are up by a lot of points. 

However, Lively is also the youngest center on the roster and the future star of the franchise. He could be a lifetime Maverick and the best center in the franchise’s history. Put half of a unit on this pick, and once successful it will return over a unit.

 

 

 

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If your bet doesn't win, you'll earn your stake back in bonus bets up to $1,500! One of today's NBA best bets comes from BetMGM, and you may apply the promotion towards a favorable plus odds proposition. 

If you have not yet registered with BetMGM, it is advisable to download the app, even if you have your own preferred betting strategy. Embrace this opportunity and take advantage of this exclusive promotion today.