The NBA Cup has finished for another year which means we’re back to the regular season grind. There’s a big 12-game slate on Friday with all but six teams in action, so there are plenty of different betting angles to consider. Here, we take you through our three best bets for the day!
NBA Betting Tips: Friday, December 19th 2025
Milwaukee Bucks at Toronto Raptors (9:30 am AEDT)
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Toronto to face the Raptors in a matchup shaped by contrasting styles. Milwaukee enter as favourites, but Toronto’s ability to disrupt rhythm at home prevents the line from stretching too far, creating an interesting betting dynamic.
The key factor here is Milwaukee’s physical edge. When the Bucks control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities, they are extremely difficult to keep pace with. Toronto, by contrast, are at their best when games open up and perimeter shooting volume increases. If the Raptors can establish early offensive flow, this becomes a much tighter contest.
If Milwaukee impose their preferred slower tempo and dominate inside, they are well placed to cover the spread. If Toronto succeed in speeding the game up, momentum swings become more frequent and variance increases. With Milwaukee’s consistency and physical advantage, backing the Bucks to assert control over four quarters is the most reliable angle.
Bucks -4.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Denver Nuggets at Orlando Magic (10:00 am AEDT)
The Denver Nuggets head to Orlando to take on a Magic side that has been competitive defensively but has struggled to consistently score against elite opposition. The Nuggets enter as clear favourites, with the betting line reflecting their ability to control games through disciplined half-court offence and defensive structure.
The key question in this matchup is whether Orlando can generate enough offence to remain competitive. The Magic rely heavily on energy plays, rebounding and defensive pressure, but Denver’s composure with the ball limits those opportunities. When the Nuggets establish early control, they are content to slow the game down and punish mistakes rather than engage in high-variance shootouts.
If Denver build an early lead, their ability to manage tempo and shorten the game puts the spread firmly in play. The more conservative angle, however, sits with the total. Orlando’s offence can stagnate when forced into half-court sets, and Denver are comfortable grinding games out when ahead. That combination points towards a lower-scoring contest than the market suggests.
Under 235.5 Points
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors (1:00pm AEDT)
The Phoenix Suns travel to Chase Center to face the Golden State Warriors in a key Western Conference matchup. Early markets suggest a tight contest, with Golden State installed as narrow favourites at home, but the betting angle is heavily influenced by Phoenix’s injury situation and how much offensive firepower they can bring on the road.
The key factor here is once again the availability of Devin Booker, who continues to manage a groin issue and is listed as questionable. His presence dramatically alters Phoenix’s offensive ceiling, particularly against a Warriors team that thrives on forcing rotations and capitalising on defensive breakdowns. Golden State have been strong at home this season and are most dangerous when they can dictate tempo early and generate quick scoring runs.
If Booker is OUT, Golden State’s ability to apply constant perimeter pressure and push pace puts them in a strong position to control the game. However, if Booker PLAYS, the Suns are capable of matching Golden State shot for shot and keeping this within a single possession late. With both teams comfortable playing at speed and generating high shot volume, the total presents a safer angle than the spread in what profiles as a high-tempo contest.
Over 230.5 Points
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
