Best Bets for Today - Top Plays Across College Basketball, NHL and NBA for Friday December 12 2025

By: Kim Smith Published 12/12/2025, 04:45 AM ET

Friday’s board gives us a mix of conference battles, a Central Division grinder on the ice, and a Western Conference matchup with injury questions hanging over it. After digging through every number you sent over, these are the three plays that stand out most for Friday 12/12/25. To catch even more of our best bets make sure you check out our best bets page.

My Best Bets

Memphis Grizzlies -6.5
Chicago Blackhawks +124
UConn Huskies -15.5

Jazz vs Grizzlies

Utah has been competitive offensively at 117.6 points per game, but the Jazz continue to be one of the weakest defensive teams in the league, giving up 125.8 per night and getting very little rim protection with Walker Kessler out for the season. Now they walk into Memphis to face a Grizzlies team that’s quietly stabilising. Memphis is 7–3 in its last 10, finally climbing back toward .500, and their defensive metrics have tightened up to 115.3 points allowed while shooting a more efficient 46.5% from the field. Utah has dropped four of its last five away from home, and their last two road losses were by 34 and 29 points. If Ja Morant is cleared, the ceiling spikes even higher, but even without him, Memphis is deeper, tougher defensively, and better coached. With Utah’s defense bleeding points and their road form falling apart, I’m backing Grizzlies -6.5 to keep their momentum going. Check out the full Jazz vs Grizzlies pick.

Blackhawks vs Blues

St. Louis is falling apart defensively, and their recent form only reinforces that. The Blues have allowed 5, 7, 5 and 5 goals in four of their last five games, and Jordan Binnington continues to struggle with an .875 save percentage and a 3.29 GAA. Chicago, meanwhile, remains inconsistent but dangerous, and they have the best player on the ice in Connor Bedard, who leads the team with 42 points, 19 goals and 23 assists. More importantly, the Blackhawks have the clear goaltending advantage with Spencer Knight, who sports a strong 2.50 GAA and .916 save percentage. The matchup leans toward Chicago’s ability to capitalize on St. Louis’ defensive breakdowns and poor penalty kill, and the Blues are now just 5–7–4 at home while trending downward overall. With Chicago healthier, more explosive offensively, and steadier in net, I’m taking Blackhawks +124 to grab another win over a shaky Blues team. Check out the full Blackhawks vs Blues pick.

Texas vs UConn

Texas is talented and scores 89.1 a night, but this is a huge step up in competition — and the numbers are overwhelming. UConn is 9–1, riding a five-game winning streak, and suffocating teams defensively by allowing just 61.7 points per game. They rebound better, move the ball better, defend more consistently, and play significantly more disciplined basketball. While Texas shoots the ball well and plays fast, their defensive profile (73.2 allowed per game) doesn’t hold up against a UConn team that runs crisp sets, dominates the glass, and rarely beats itself at home. The Huskies have also covered big numbers repeatedly this season thanks to that defense and their depth. With UConn’s balance, interior presence, and overall efficiency advantage, I’m backing UConn -15.5 to pull away late and win comfortably. Check out the full Texas vs UConn pick.

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My Best Bets for Friday 12/12/25 are ready, and the trio gives a clean mix of NBA, NHL and college basketball value. Before you lock anything in, make sure you’re taking full advantage of the bet365 bonus code so you’re maximizing each position you play.

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