What better way to pregame your New Year's Eve party than with eight NBA games running all afternoon and evening? Whether you're looking to build the bankroll or just need something to watch while you pretend to care about your friend's champagne selection, we've got you covered.

The Quick Hit

• What's happening: Eight NBA games spread across the afternoon and evening
• The damage: Spreads ranging from pick'em to double digits
• Why you should care: Perfect mid-day action before the parties start
• The move: We break down every game below

Early Games (1:00-3:00 PM ET)

Charlotte Hornets @ Golden State Warriors

Line: Warriors -7 | O/U: 233.5

The Warriors are home favorites against one of the league's worst teams. Charlotte's 11-21 record tells you everything you need to know. Golden State hasn't been elite this year at 17-16, but they're vastly superior to the Hornets.

That 233.5 total is massive, but both teams play at a decent pace. The Warriors should roll here.

Lean: Warriors -7, Over 233.5

Indiana Pacers @ Orlando Magic

Line: Magic -3.5 | O/U: 225.5

The Pacers have fallen off a cliff. At 6-27, they're actively competing for the worst record in the league. Orlando at 18-15 is a solid playoff team that should handle business at home.

3.5 feels light. The Magic should win by more.

Lean: Magic -3.5

Afternoon Games (3:30-5:00 PM ET)

Atlanta Hawks @ Minnesota Timberwolves

Line: Timberwolves -4.5 | O/U: 243.5

Minnesota at home against Atlanta is a matchup that favors the wolves. The Timberwolves are 21-12 and playing solid basketball. Atlanta at 15-19 has been inconsistent all year.

That 243.5 total is the highest on the board. Both teams can score, but Minny's defense usually keeps things under control.

Lean: Timberwolves -4.5, Under 243.5

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Phoenix Suns

Win probability: Cavaliers 72.75%

The Cavs are quietly one of the best teams in basketball, even if they've been terrible against the spread lately. Phoenix has the star power but hasn't put it together consistently.

Cleveland should win, but the public ATS record makes me nervous about laying points.

Lean: Take the Cavs ML, avoid the spread

Evening Games (7:00-8:00 PM ET)

San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks

Line: Knicks -1 | O/U: 234.5

Both teams are 23-9. This is legitimately one of the best games on the board. Wemby versus the Knicks at MSG on New Year's Eve is appointment television.

The Knicks being just one-point favorites at home tells you the books respect San Antonio. This could go either way, but MSG is rocking and the Knicks know how to show up for primetime.

Lean: Knicks -1

Chicago Bulls @ New Orleans Pelicans

Win probability: Bulls 66.86%

New Orleans is a disaster zone without Zion and with all their other injuries. Chicago isn't good, but they're functional. The Bulls should handle this.

Lean: Bulls and whatever spread they're offering

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Portland Trail Blazers

Line: Thunder -15.5 | O/U: 234.5

The Thunder are running roughshod over the league, and the Blazers are actively tanking. This 15.5-point spread looks massive, but OKC has been covering big numbers all year.

Portland has no business being on the same court as this Thunder squad. The only question is whether OKC takes their foot off the gas with rest in mind.

Lean: Thunder -15.5

Milwaukee Bucks @ Washington Wizards

Line: Bucks -10.5 | O/U: 232.5

Washington is 7-24 and actively pursuing the worst record in the league. The Bucks at 14-19 have been disappointing, but they should smoke the Wizards.

Giannis and company should handle this by double digits even if they're coasting.

Lean: Bucks -10.5

NYE Parlay of the Night

• Thunder -15.5
• Cavaliers ML
• Knicks -1
• Warriors -7

Four-legger pays out around +550. Not bad for a pre-party sweat.

The Bottom Line

Eight games, plenty of action. The Thunder and Warriors are the heaviest favorites and probably the safest plays. Knicks-Spurs is the game to watch if you want quality basketball. Get your bets in by tip-off, then enjoy the games before heading out to watch the ball drop. Let's end 2025 with some winners.