NBA December 14, 2025

This is the game of the night, maybe the game of the week. Cleveland at 22-4 has been the surprise of the season with Donovan Mitchell playing MVP-caliber basketball and Evan Mobley taking another leap on the defensive end. They're clicking on all cylinders, sharing the ball beautifully and defending at an elite level. But tonight they walk into the Thunder's house.

OKC at 21-5 represents the defending champs who refuse to rest on their laurels. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his superstar ascension, averaging nearly 32 points per game while getting to the line at will. Chet Holmgren has been a defensive anchor, and their depth is ridiculous. Paycom Center has been a fortress - the Thunder are 12-1 at home.

Two heavyweights throwing haymakers. Cleveland has the firepower to win anywhere, but this environment is hostile and OKC knows how to close games. Expect a thriller that goes down to the wire. The small spread reflects how evenly matched these teams are.

The Celtics continue navigating life without Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined with the Achilles injury he suffered in the Finals. At 15-10, they're still competitive but clearly missing that go-to scorer in crunch time. Jaylen Brown has stepped up admirably, averaging nearly 28 points since Tatum went down, but the offensive ceiling just isn't the same.

Golden State at 12-13 has been inconsistent, but Stephen Curry at Chase Center is still a terrifying sight for opponents. The Warriors play with more energy at home, and their motion offense can carve up any defense when clicking. Draymond Green's intensity sets the tone, and they desperately need this win for playoff positioning.

Boston's championship experience gives them an edge in any close game, but without Tatum, they're vulnerable on the road against quality teams. The Warriors smell blood here and should make this an uncomfortable night for the depleted Celtics.

Milwaukee has been maddeningly inconsistent this season at 14-12, never quite finding the rhythm that made them title favorites entering the year. Giannis Antetokounmpo is Giannis - an unstoppable force when healthy - but Damian Lillard's fit continues to be questioned by skeptics. The offense sputters too often for a team with this much talent.

Atlanta at 13-13 is the definition of .500 basketball. Trae Young runs the show with his floaters and lobs, but the defense remains a question mark. They can light up the scoreboard on any given night but give up buckets just as easily. This is an entertaining matchup because neither team can be trusted to lock down on the defensive end.

The Bucks should handle business at home, but don't be surprised if this turns into a shootout. Atlanta has the offensive firepower to hang around, and if Milwaukee's defense has one of those nights, this could go either way.

Orlando has quietly built something special at 18-9. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner form one of the most dynamic young duos in the league, and their defense has been suffocating. They're physical, long, and take pride in making opponents work for every bucket. The Kia Center has become a nightmare for visiting teams.

Miami at 12-13 isn't the same Heat culture team we've grown accustomed to seeing in the playoffs. Jimmy Butler is still capable of carrying them, but the roster around him has thinned out. They're fighting for their playoff lives in a stacked East, and every game feels like a must-win at this point.

The Magic have been dominant at home and should control this game with their length and defensive intensity. Miami's going to scrap and claw because that's who they are, but Orlando has the edge in nearly every category tonight.

The Battle of New York is always fun, even when the talent disparity is this obvious. The Knicks at 16-10 are a legitimate Eastern Conference threat with Jalen Brunson orchestrating the offense masterfully. They added pieces in the offseason and the depth shows - this team can grind you down over 48 minutes.

Brooklyn at 9-17 is firmly in rebuilding mode. The post-KD, post-Kyrie era has been rough, but they're developing young talent and playing hard most nights. This is a classic measuring stick game for their young core - can they hang with a playoff-caliber opponent at home?

The Knicks should roll here, but rivalry games get weird. Brooklyn will bring extra energy for the crosstown matchup, and Barclays can get loud. Still, the talent gap is too wide. New York controls this one and covers comfortably.

LeBron James and the Lakers at 18-7 have been one of the league's best stories. At 40 years old, LeBron is still a top-10 player who can take over games at will. Anthony Davis has stayed healthy and is playing DPOY-caliber defense. This team is built for the postseason with their size and experience.

Minnesota at 14-11 has been solid but unspectacular without Karl-Anthony Towns, who was traded to the Knicks. Anthony Edwards carries the offensive load, but the supporting cast isn't deep enough to compete with elite teams. They play hard at home, though, and Target Center is rocking for big games.

This should be a good one. The Lakers have the star power advantage, but Minnesota's defensive identity can slow games down. Expect a grind-it-out affair where every possession matters. LA has been better on the road than expected this season.

Houston at 16-8 has been a revelation since acquiring Kevin Durant from Phoenix in July. Durant gives them a go-to scorer they've lacked since the Harden era, and their young core has developed around him perfectly. The Rockets are legitimate Western Conference contenders, not just a playoff team anymore.

San Antonio at 10-16 is still in development mode with Victor Wembanyama learning the NBA game. Wemby flashes brilliance every night - he's a generational talent - but the supporting cast isn't there yet. The Spurs play hard for Pop, but they're overmatched against elite competition.

Houston should handle this one comfortably. Durant's isolation scoring and the Rockets' improved defense will be too much for San Antonio to overcome. Wemby will have his moments, but this game feels like a double-digit Houston win.

Two teams going nowhere fast meet in Salt Lake City. Portland at 10-15 is rebuilding around Anfernee Simons and their young guards, but the pieces haven't clicked yet. They're competitive most nights but lack the closer to win tight games. The Blazers are playing for lottery positioning at this point.

Utah at 9-16 is in a similar spot. Lauri Markkanen continues to be mentioned in trade rumors, and the team has no real direction. They play hard at home, but the altitude doesn't help as much when both teams are young and athletic. This is a game neither team particularly needs to win.

Expect an ugly one. Both teams have defensive issues and young players prone to mistakes. The total should be considered carefully - these are two offenses that can score but neither can stop anyone. Utah has a slight home edge, but this is a coin flip.