The NBA regular season is back in full swing with a loaded slate of games on Saturday night, with a total of 10 matchups on the docket scheduled for today, featuring a solid trio of nationally televised contests on NBA TV, as Rockets vs Nuggets takes center stage at 5:00 p.m. ET, followed by Hornets vs Pistons at 7:30 p.m. ET, and then Lakers vs Clippers at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified NBA picks for six of tonight's matchups.
Continue below for our NBA picks, odds, props, and predictions for Saturday, December 20.
NBA Picks, Odds, Props, Predictions: Saturday, December 20
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 5 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
| 9:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 10:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Rockets vs. Nuggets
By Bet Labs
This NBA system identifies regular season matchups where efficient but undervalued teams face opponents with poor defensive metrics.
When a team’s underlying performance indicators, such as Pythagorean strength, exceed public perception, the betting market often undervalues them against weak defensive opponents who allow high scoring efficiency.
These games typically feature modest moneylines that signal balance but overlook the defensive mismatch.
Slight movement toward the undervalued side reinforces that bettors are slowly recognizing the edge, yet the market remains mispriced.
Over recent seasons, this pattern has rewarded teams whose true performance levels are masked by variance while exploiting opponents that consistently fail to contain efficient offenses, creating a steady opportunity on the moneyline.
Pick: Rockets Moneyline (-115)
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Magic vs. Jazz
By Joe Dellera
The Magic face the Jazz in a top matchup for assists.
Paolo just recorded 10 dimes on 17 potentials in a game without Franz and Suggs, and generally sees an uptick in dimes without them on the floor.
The Jazz have gotten crushed in the assists department against players that are great at drive and kicks between LeBron, Jimmy Butler, or even Julius Randle.
Pick: Paolo Banchero Over 4.5 Assists (-130)
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Celtics vs. Raptors
By Bet Labs
This NBA system identifies regular season games where a fast-paced home team faces a slower-paced visitor, creating value on the Under.
When tempo clashes occur, the home team’s rhythm and environment typically dictate the flow, often slowing the overall scoring despite expectations of pace inflation.
Oddsmakers tend to overestimate total points in these situations, pricing based on season averages rather than matchup control.
Modest spreads signal competitive games where both teams play more deliberate half-court possessions and defensive intensity increases late.
The result is a pattern where the home team’s comfort, control, and situational awareness lead to fewer possessions and lower final totals than projected, especially when public perception leans toward offensive fireworks.
Pick: Under 224.5 (-110)
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Magic vs. Jazz
We hit on this prop yesterday as well.
Jones fell into an ideal scenario, with both Tristan da Silva and Jonathan Isaac being ruled out.
Without Jalen Suggs and the two forwards, it was Jones who stepped into the starting lineup.
Even as a starter, he was limited to just 19 minutes. He was outplayed by both Jett Howard and Jase Richardson.
Pick: Tyus Jones Under 11.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists (-110)
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Mavericks vs. 76ers
By Bet Labs
This NBA system focuses on games where struggling road teams face stronger home opponents in non conference matchups, creating favorable conditions for high scoring results.
When a poor road team with a low win rate meets a winning home team, defensive effort and intensity often dip for the visitor while the home side pushes the pace and controls offensive rhythm.
Non-conference games tend to feature looser defensive schemes and unfamiliar matchups, leading to faster scoring runs and less resistance in transition.
The data shows that when totals close above the 220 range and the line movement slightly favors the Over, the market correctly anticipates offensive efficiency rather than defensive pressure.
These situations consistently produce games where both teams exceed expectations, with the stronger home team dictating tempo and the weaker visitor contributing enough to push the total past the number.
Pick: Over 226.5 (-110)
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Lakers vs. Clippers
By Bet Labs
This NBA system identifies teams that have struggled against the spread but are poised for short term correction after another poor showing.
When a team has been consistently failing to cover and comes off another game where they fell short of expectations, the betting market tends to overadjust, shading lines too heavily against them.
This creates value for disciplined bettors who recognize that spreads often move more on perception than true performance.
Teams in this range are typically being underestimated, especially as the season progresses beyond the early adjustment phase.
In these spots, motivation to respond is high, public sentiment is low, and pricing inefficiencies emerge that favor the side of teams the market has temporarily abandoned.
Pick: Clippers +1 (-110)
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