Best Bets for Today - Top Plays Across College Basketball, NHL and NBA for Friday December 5 2025

By: Kim Smith Published 12/05/2025, 03:45 AM ET

Friday brings a strong slate across the NHL, college basketball, and NBA, giving us three matchups with clear betting value based on form, injuries, and statistical edges. After going through each game, here are the best bets for Friday 12/5/25. To catch even more of our best bets make sure you check out our best bets page.

My Best Bets

New Jersey Devils +110
Gonzaga Bulldogs -5.5
San Antonio Spurs +5.5

Golden Knights vs Devils

Vegas may be favored, but the spot and the numbers point toward New Jersey. The Devils are 9–3–1 at home and have played significantly better in their own building, while Vegas has cooled off a bit despite coming off back-to-back wins. The Golden Knights have been inconsistent offensively — their top scorers aside from Eichel haven’t found sustained production — and their goaltending has been serviceable but not dominant. New Jersey, meanwhile, has the steadier crease with Jake Allen posting a .911 save percentage and has been dangerous at even strength thanks to Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier driving possession. The Devils also own the stronger special teams profile and are catching Vegas at home at plus money. I’m backing New Jersey +110 to defend their home ice. Check out the full Golden Knights vs Devils pick.

Gonzaga vs Kentucky

This top-20 matchup looks tight at first glance, but Gonzaga’s offense gives them the necessary separation. The Bulldogs are scoring over 90 points per game and shooting just under 45%, with five players averaging double figures and B. Huff leading the way at nearly 16 points per game. Kentucky can score as well, but the Wildcats have been shaky against strong competition, dropping recent games to UNC and Michigan by narrow margins. Gonzaga’s tempo, ball movement, and ability to rebound at a high level give them multiple paths to cover, especially with Kentucky still searching for consistency on offense. With Gonzaga having posted several blowout wins and showing more reliable scoring depth, I’m taking Gonzaga -5.5 in a statement road game. Check out the full Gonzaga vs Kentucky pick.

Spurs vs Cavaliers

Cleveland is favored, but this number looks inflated given their injury situation. The Cavaliers are missing Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, and Sam Merrill — nearly their entire supporting cast behind Donovan Mitchell. Without that depth, Cleveland has struggled defensively and on the glass, allowing big scoring nights to recent opponents. The Spurs, meanwhile, have been playing excellent basketball behind De’Aaron Fox, winners of two straight and seven of their last ten. Even with Wembanyama out, San Antonio has found offensive balance and improved ball movement, and they’ve shown they can compete with anyone. With the Cavs undermanned and the Spurs entering hot, I’m taking San Antonio +5.5 to keep this game close — and potentially win outright. Check out the full Spurs vs Cavaliers pick.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

My Best Bets for Friday 12/5/25 are locked in, and these three plays stand out as the highest-value opportunities on a busy slate. For the best way to approach tonight’s card, don’t forget to use the bet365 bonus code .

Check out all of our free college basketball Picks.

Be sure to run your way to victory with our free NHL P icks.

Get all of the NBA action with our free NBA picks.

Min. Deposit $5

Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)

Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Min. Deposit $5

Odds Requirements -500

Cashable No

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.