Tuesday’s Slate (ET Start Times)
The NBA schedule, which comes out with dates and matchups, has confirmed the following games for Dec 19, 2025:
• Atlanta Hawks vs San Antonio Spurs
• New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers
• Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat
• Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder
This Friday in mid-December falls right in the heart of the NBA season, with several teams conflicting for playoff positioning but also real momentum runs heading into the New Year.
_________________________________________
Game Breakdown & Betting Odds
Below is a look ahead of each matchup with context, storylines, and the latest odds, where available. Note: Specific spread/moneyline/total odds for all games on this date are approximate based on typical lines from sportsbooks and nearby comparable dates/sources (since comprehensive official lines aren’t fully public yet).
_________________________________________
Hawks vs Spurs
Storyline:
The illness will take away Kristaps Porzingis for several weeks, which weakens Atlanta’s frontcourt scoring and rim protection. Porzingis has been huge for this roster since joining the crew; his absence could very well limit how versatile Atlanta’s offense can get.
San Antonio comes into this matchup with a lot of confidence, especially after performing well in the NBA Cup, where the Spurs showed up the elite competition and found some balance on both ends of the floor. The three-point shooting and depth are their calling cards — they take a high volume of triples and force opponents into uncomfortable perimeter rotations.
Approximate Odds Snapshot
• Spread: Spurs favored (oddsshark.com)
• Moneyline : Spurs around -130 • Hawks +110 (approx) xBet
• Total Points: ~225–230
Outlook: Spurs’ perimeter play, coupled with Atlanta’s struggles on defense against the three-ball, should make things difficult for the Hawks. Depth and shooting likely tilt this one toward San Antonio.
________________________________________
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers
Storyline:
This is an intriguing Eastern Conference battle, as both teams are jockeying for positioning. New York has generally been one of the better squads in the East this season, while Philadelphia’s roster is deep and balanced.
A bet105 betting promotion regarding this contest is already flying around, meaning that a bet related to the Knicks could be ranked to gain bonus bets-the hype surrounding this clash and how attractive it is to gamblers.
Odds Snapshot (confirmed for Knicks vs Spurs on a different line but illustrative):
For context, in Spurs–Knicks odds earlier this week, Knicks were at about -140 on the moneyline with totals at 234–235 points.
Although exact Philadelphia lines aren’t published yet, a typical East West matchup like this might look like:
• Point Spread: Knicks and 76ers within a few points
• Moneyline: Knicks slight edge
• Total: ~225–235 xBet
Outlook: These division rivals know each other well, with mid-range shooting and late defensive possessions potentially deciding the game. Key tactical pivots would be New York’s backcourt and Philadelphia’s size mismatches.
__________________________________________
Celtics vs Heat
Storyline:
Boston will be a perennial Eastern powerhouse, known both for an efficient offense and deep rotation. Miami is resilient while sometimes streaky; they’ll manage to stay hanging around if they hit deep and maintain efficiency on transition.
This shapes up to be a classic East battle, with Boston being favored at home or in neutral scenarios commonly.
Odds Snapshot (estimated):
• Spread: Celtics -6 to -10
• Moneyline: Celtics favorite xBET
Total: ~230
Outlook: Boston’s depth gives them the advantage over the more unpredictable Miami scoring. If Miami plays tough defense and is able to force turnovers, it could keep the score respectable. But Boston should be in control late, barring major injuries.
_________________________________________
Cavaliers vs Bulls
Storyline:
This season alone, Cleveland has shown a strong mix of scoring balance and defensive effort. Chicago, while young and pretty unpredictable at times, is capable of putting up points but also struggles consistently against top conferences.
Odds Snapshot (estimated):
• Spread: Cavaliers -3 to -7 Bet105
• Moneyline: Cavaliers favored
Total: ~228
Outlook: The Bulls need a hot shooting performance and minimal turnovers to keep the game close. Cleveland’s playoff experience and half-court execution may prove to be the difference in this one.
________________________________________
Timberwolves vs Thunder
Storyline:
This is arguably the standout matchup of the night. The Oklahoma City Thunder have just been absolutely dominant this season, starting in historic fashion and being one of the top championship favorites on futures boards.
While Minnesota has star firepower and puts up high offensive outputs, it is an overly reckless opponent that, even when at full strength, would only be heavy underdogs to the explosiveness and efficiency of the Thunder.
Odds Snapshot (estimated):
• Spread: Thunder -7 to -10
• Moneyline : Thunder heavily favored xBet
Total: ~235
Why: The outlook is OKC’s offense – spearheaded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and more athletic scorers – coupled with robust defensive rotations, gives them the edge. A fast pace and high point total should be expected courtesy of elite scoring and shot creation.
__________________________________________
Betting Angles & Trends
Totals & Tempo
Many of these games project to be above-average scoring, with teams like the Thunder and Celtics involved. Totals in the 230s are common across advanced odds boards.
Props to Consider
• Spurs three-point volume vs. Hawks perimeter D
• Brunson/primary guard points in Knicks vs. 76ers
• Thunder Stars over Individual Scoring Props Given Pace
___________________________________________
Final Thoughts
Friday, December 19 has the look of a high-impact night in the NBA, with several key division and conference matchups dotting the schedule. The Thunder game stands out as the true marquee showdown, while the Hawks–Spurs battle could be pivotal for both teams in terms of home versus away confidence. Currently, markets are already starting to take shape, with totals in the mid-220s to mid-230s, and spreads often reflect home/road advantage and star power discrepancies.