NBA first basket predictions for Thursday include Lauri Markkanen, Pascal Siakam [11/13/2025]

Our NBA first basket predictions for Thursday, November 13, 2025, are live—with Lauri Markkanen of the Jazz the most likely player to score the first basket based on the latest Dimers Pro simulation data.

Thursday's first basket predictions come straight from our NBA first basket odds and player projections, which highlight not only first basket chances, but also projected points, rebounds, assists and more for every player on today's basketball slate.

Who will score the first basket tonight? [November 13, 2025]

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket across today's matchups is Lauri Markkanen, with a probability of 15.7%.

Player (Team)	FB Probability
Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)	15.7%
Pascal Siakam (Pacers)	14.7%
Devin Booker (Suns)	14.5%
Jalen Johnson (Hawks)	13.9%
Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)	13.6%
Brandon Ingram (Raptors)	11.4%
Keyonte George (Jazz)	11.0%
Scottie Barnes (Raptors)	10.9%
RJ Barrett (Raptors)	10.7%
Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks)	10.6%
Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers)	10.6%
Grayson Allen (Suns)	10.4%
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks)	10.3%
Aaron Nesmith (Pacers)	9.5%
Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)	9.4%
De'Andre Hunter (Cavaliers)	9.4%
Dillon Brooks (Suns)	9.3%
Jakob Poeltl (Raptors)	9.2%
Ace Bailey (Jazz)	8.8%
Onyeka Okongwu (Hawks)	8.7%
Svi Mykhailiuk (Jazz)	8.2%
Andrew Nembhard (Pacers)	8.2%
Royce O'Neale (Suns)	7.8%
Immanuel Quickley (Raptors)	7.8%
Sam Merrill (Cavaliers)	6.9%
Dyson Daniels (Hawks)	6.6%
Jusuf Nurkic (Jazz)	6.3%

Following Markkanen closely are Pascal Siakam at 14.7% and Devin Booker at 14.5%.

Jalen Johnson and Donovan Mitchell also feature, with the full list of first basket projections for Thursday available via today’s NBA player projections.

Best NBA first basket picks [11/13/2025]

After simulating the result of today's NBA slate thousands of times, our independent predictive analytics model has discovered the best NBA first basket bet for you to make on Thursday.

Jalen Johnson first basket scorer

• Odds: +850
• Edge: 3.3%
• Probability: 13.9%
• Matchup: Hawks vs. Jazz (9:00PM EST)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for today's NBA slate in the game between the Hawks and Jazz. The bet is on Jalen Johnson (ATL) at odds of +850 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 3.3% according to our analysis.

Not only does Johnson present an edge according to the model, but he is also among our top five most likely first basket scorers for today, as noted in the list above.

NBA schedule for today [11/13/2025]

• Raptors vs. Cavaliers (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Hawks vs. Jazz (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Pacers vs. Suns (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

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

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Conclusion

For November 13, 2025, our NBA first basket predictions highlight star players including Lauri Markkanen, Pascal Siakam and Devin Booker—all of whom are among the top projected chances to open the scoring in today’s games. But when it comes to betting value, it’s Jalen Johnson who emerges as the top play, showing a calculated 3.3% edge at +850 odds.

These projections are built from 10,000 game simulations, giving you a reliable starting point for smarter prop betting. Always wager with care—help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER if you or someone close to you needs support.

For more insight, check out our NBA player props and NBA best bets. Stay in the loop with our up-to-the-minute NBA betting trends, NBA news, and current NBA title odds.

This article was partially generated using automated data and AI tools, with all content reviewed and finalized by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and quality.

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