NBA First Basket Predictions for Monday Include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic [12/23/2024]

This Monday, December 23rd, another big day of NBA action is on the cards, headlined by the Jazz' matchup against the Cavaliers at 7:00PM ET.

After assessing Monday's NBA simulation results this morning (see Dimers Pro for full access), our data analysts have announced their best first basket bet of the day.

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Additionally, this article reveals the NBA players our predictive analytics model has identified as having the greatest chance of scoring the first basket in their respective matchups on Monday.

Let's dive into today's NBA first basket news and updates.

NBA Players to Watch Today

Based on the most recent injury reports, Monday's NBA games are expected to feature players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and LaMelo Ball, each with a high probability of scoring the first basket when they take to the court.

Who Will Score the First NBA Basket Tonight? [Cheat Sheet for December 23, 2024]

Thanks to simulating Monday's NBA games 10,000 times each, Dimers has determined the list of players most likely to score the first basket in their respective games.

Player (Team)	First Basket Probability
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)	17.2%
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)	16.1%
LaMelo Ball (Hornets)	15.9%
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)	15.2%
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)	15.0%
LeBron James (Lakers)	14.8%
Bobby Portis (Bucks)	14.7%
Cade Cunningham (Pistons)	14.7%
Jalen Suggs (Magic)	14.5%
Kevin Durant (Suns)	14.4%

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket across today's matchups is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a probability of 17.2%.

Following Gilgeous-Alexander closely, the players with the next highest likelihood of cashing your first basket bets are Nikola Jokic at 16.1% and LaMelo Ball at 15.9%.

Dimers Pro Pick of the Day: NBA First Basket [Monday, 12/23/2024]

After simulating the outcome of today's NBA matchups thousands of times each, our independent predictive analytics model has found the best NBA first basket betting pick for Monday.

For full access to our comprehensive analysis and top picks, subscribe to Dimers Pro.

James Harden To Score First Basket

• Odds: +1000
• Edge: 2.9%
• Probability: 12%
• Matchup: Clippers vs. Grizzlies (8:00PM EST)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for Monday's NBA slate in the game between the Clippers and Grizzlies. The bet is on James Harden (LAC) at odds of +1000 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 2.9% according to our analysis.

Although Harden doesn't feature in our model's top 10 most likely first basket scorers for Monday's NBA slate, he does present the best betting opportunity for those aiming for an edge on the market.

Closer Look at Today's First Basket Props

NBA first basket props have become one of the more popular betting options for basketball bettors. By using Monday's data-driven NBA predictions, you can gain an advantage over everyone else.

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NBA News, Schedule Alerts and Updated Odds

• Read the latest news alerts from the official NBA feed
• Check updated NBA odds
• Find broadcasting and streaming options for today's NBA games

NBA Schedule for Today [12/23/2024]

• Jazz vs. Cavaliers (7:00PM ET, Monday)
• Celtics vs. Magic (7:00PM ET, Monday)
• Timberwolves vs. Hawks (7:30PM ET, Monday)
• Clippers vs. Grizzlies (8:00PM ET, Monday)
• Wizards vs. Thunder (8:00PM ET, Monday)
• Bucks vs. Bulls (8:00PM ET, Monday)
• Trail Blazers vs. Mavericks (8:30PM ET, Monday)
• Pistons vs. Lakers (10:30PM ET, Monday)

For more betting guides, check out Monday's NBA best bets and our NBA player prop picks for Monday.

Tonight's NBA First Basket Picks: December 23, 2024

This NBA first basket article has been partially generated using automated processes and AI technology. Our goal is to provide timely and accurate updates on NBA first basket picks for December 23, 2024. Automation assists in data collection, analysis, and formatting, while human editing and quality control ensure the content meets our editorial standards.

All of Dimers' NBA first basket picks for Monday, December 23, are generated thanks to thousands of data-driven game simulations, giving you reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.

If you use today's NBA first basket picks for your personal gambling, it's vital that you gamble responsibly and manage your bankroll effectively. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Understanding Betting Edge

At Dimers, an "edge" in betting signifies our belief that an event's probability is higher than the best available NBA odds suggest. A higher betting edge indicates a greater likelihood of success. However, it's essential to remember that no bet is guaranteed, and responsible gambling practices are crucial for long-term success.

More on NBA

This article is part of our NBA player props and NBA best bets series.

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