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NBA picks today: Thursday's best bets include Lakers vs. Jazz play [12/18/2025]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get best NBA picks today and best bets for Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Today’s NBA picks for December 18, 2025 are here, with Lakers vs. Jazz and Kings vs. Trail Blazers among the top plays identified by our model across Thursday’s NBA schedule.
Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, searching the latest basketball odds to uncover legitimate betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.
List of NBA picks tonight [12/18, updated 8:34PM ET]
Below, you’ll find today’s best basketball bets, ranked by edge for Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Lakers vs. Jazz under 242.5 points (-106)
- Edge: 2.4%
- Probability: 53.9%
- Matchup: Lakers vs. Jazz (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
Our model has identified value on under 242.5 points in Lakers vs. Jazz at -106 odds. A 53.9% probability produces an edge of 2.4%, making this the strongest play for today's NBA slate.
Kings +8.5 (-105)
- Edge: 2.3%
- Probability: 53.5%
- Matchup: Kings vs. Trail Blazers (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
Kings +8.5 carries a 2.3% edge and a probability of 53.5% at -105 odds, according to our model.
NBA best bets summary: Thursday, 12/18/2025
As of 8:34PM ET, here are our top NBA bets by edge recommended by our model:
| Matchup | Bet | Odds | Edge | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers vs. Jazz | Under 242.5 Points | -106 @ FanDuel | 2.4% | 53.9% |
| Kings vs. Trail Blazers | Kings +8.5 | -105 @ BetMGM | 2.3% | 53.5% |
List of upcoming NBA games to bet on [12/18/2025]
- Lakers vs. Jazz (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
- Magic vs. Nuggets (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
- Warriors vs. Suns (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
- Kings vs. Trail Blazers (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
- 76ers vs. Knicks (7:00PM ET, Friday)
- Heat vs. Celtics (7:00PM ET, Friday)
- Bulls vs. Cavaliers (7:30PM ET, Friday)
- Spurs vs. Hawks (7:30PM ET, Friday)
Conclusion
Our NBA best bets are locked and loaded for December 18, 2025, featuring plays such as under 242.5 points in the Lakers vs. Jazz matchup and Kings +8.5. 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 grounded in 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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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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