Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Betting Predictions, Free Picks and Parlays December 4th 2025

The Star Graveyard: Philly and Golden State Limp Into Battle

Fans hoping for a heavyweight title fight between the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers are instead getting a glimpse into the league's brutal injury grind. This highly anticipated matchup in Philly looks more like a triage unit meeting than a premier East-West rivalry, with both squads missing or likely to miss their biggest guns. We're talking franchise players, MVP candidates, the guys whose jerseys sell out the fastest... all questionable or officially out.

Let's start with the Warriors. They are in straight-up panic mode. Stephen Curry is officially OUT with a quad contusion, forcing him to miss the entire three-game road trip. This is a 37-year-old Steph, so the team is playing it safe, but safety doesn't win you games on the road. And get this, the Warriors' injury report is seven names deep. Jimmy Butler, the team's heart and soul, is also listed as questionable with a knee issue. The word is it’s not serious, but does anyone really believe a vet like Jimmy is gonna push it tonight when his team is already spiraling at 11-11? Head coach Steve Kerr is going to be throwing out lineups we haven't seen since the preseason.

The 76ers aren't exactly strolling in on a red carpet either. Joel Embiid, the other MVP-level big man in this game, is doubtful with issues in both knees. Double knee trouble? Yikes. And now Paul George has joined him on the questionable list with his own left knee ailment. Paul George played Tuesday, but only for 18 minutes. It felt like a ramp-up effort, and now he might shut it down. 

If Embiid and George sit, the 76ers are banking on whatever offense Tyrese Maxey can generate by tossing up shots in the chaos. This game is going to be a messy, low-scoring affair decided by the deepest bench, or maybe just by who cares more about winning a meaningless December contest with their stars in street clothes. It’s a certified bummer for the primetime slate.

Betting Picks & Predictions

The Sixers are sitting as 3-point favorites, which is wild considering Embiid is likely sitting and PG’s status is totally up in the air. The line is likely inflated due to the Warriors being on the road and Curry being ruled out, but Golden State’s supporting cast, however battered, is still full of experienced players who know Kerr’s system. Historically, when these two teams play, especially when the Warriors are on one day of rest, the total goes Over the projected 223.5. 

However, with Curry and Embiid out, the total is the scariest bet on the board. Forget the total. The value is on the visiting team. Given the sheer uncertainty on both sides, taking a road team getting points—even without Curry—is the sharp move, especially since the 76ers haven’t proven they can win comfortably without Embiid this season. Prediction: Take the Warriors +3. They cover the spread and might win straight up.