Best Bets for Today - Top Plays Across College Basketball, NHL and NBA for Tuesday December 9 2025

By: Kim Smith Published 12/09/2025, 04:00 AM ET

Tuesday’s slate gives us a nice three-sport mix: an NBA Cup showdown in Toronto, a TNT headliner on the Island, and a Big Ten clash in Columbus that already feels like March. After sorting through the numbers you provided, these are the three plays I like most for Tuesday 12/9/25. To catch even more of our best bets make sure you check out our best bets page.

My Best Bets

New York Knicks -4.5
Vegas Golden Knights -142
Ohio State Buckeyes +3.5

Knicks vs Raptors

Both teams are off to strong starts, but the current form and recent head-to-head lean toward New York. The Knicks are 16–7 and 8–2 in their last 10, averaging 120.7 points per game while holding opponents to 112.4. Jalen Brunson is in full control at 28.0 PPG on efficient shooting, and New York has already handled Toronto recently with a 116–94 win on 11/30. The Raptors are solid at home (8–5) and score well at 116.4 PPG, but they’re on a three-game skid and have been slightly leakier defensively at 113.8 PPG allowed. With the Knicks riding a three-game winning streak, playing the cleaner two-way basketball, and having the best closer on the floor in Brunson, I’m backing New York -4.5 to get another win over Toronto. Check out the full Knicks vs Raptors pick.

Golden Knights vs Islanders

Vegas rolls into UBS Arena as one of the hottest teams in the league. The Golden Knights are 14–6–8 and an impressive 7–2–4 on the road, allowing just 2.82 goals per game while scoring 3.04. Akira Schmid has been steady in net, and Jack Eichel is driving the offense with 36 points (12G, 24A) backed by Tomas Hertl’s 13 goals. The Islanders are a respectable 16–11–3 and 7–6–2 at home, with Ilya Sorokin giving them a real chance every night, but their attack is a bit less dynamic at 2.87 goals per game and the power play lags behind Vegas (14.3% vs 25.0%). With the Knights on a four-game win streak and dominating shots and chances while keeping goals against under three per game, I’m happy to lay the price and take Vegas -142 on the moneyline to stay hot on the East Coast. Check out the full Golden Knights vs Islanders pick.

Illinois vs Ohio State

This Big Ten matchup looks like a coin flip on paper, which makes the points with the home underdog appealing. Illinois is 7–2, scoring 88.7 points per game and allowing 69.3, with Kylan Boswell leading the way at 17.0 PPG. Ohio State, though, is right there at 7–1, putting up 88.4 PPG and allowing 69.1, actually shooting better from the field (53% vs 48%) and handing out more assists per game. Bruce Thornton has been outstanding at 20.1 PPG on nearly 60% shooting, and the Buckeyes hold a strong rebounding edge at 53 boards per game. With both teams essentially equal in scoring margin and efficiency, the difference becomes venue and line value—OSU getting +3.5 at home in conference play is simply too many points. I’m taking Ohio State +3.5 and wouldn’t be surprised if the Buckeyes win outright. Check out the full Illinois vs Ohio State pick.

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My Best Bets for Tuesday 12/9/25 are locked in, and all three offer solid edges based on form, efficiency, and line value. If you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of these plays, you’ll want to use the bet365 bonus code .

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