NBA First Basket Predictions for Sunday Include Nikola Jokic, Scottie Barnes [12/22/2024]

This Sunday, December 22nd, another exciting day of NBA action is on the cards, headlined by the Rockets' matchup against the Raptors at 6:00PM ET.

After examining Sunday's NBA simulations this morning (see Dimers Pro for full access), our team of data experts have produced 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 Sunday.

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

NBA Players to Watch Today

Based on the most recent injury reports, Sunday's NBA games are expected to showcase star players such as Nikola Jokic, Scottie Barnes and CJ McCollum, each with a high probability of opening the scoring when they take to the court.

Who Will Score the First NBA Basket Tonight? [Cheat Sheet for December 22, 2024]

Thanks to simulating Sunday'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
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)	15.9%
Scottie Barnes (Raptors)	13.4%
CJ McCollum (Pelicans)	13.4%
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)	13.3%
Pascal Siakam (Pacers)	12.5%
Domantas Sabonis (Kings)	12.4%
De'Aaron Fox (Kings)	12.0%
Jalen Green (Rockets)	11.9%
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)	11.4%
DeMar DeRozan (Kings)	10.5%

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket across all of today's matchups is Nikola Jokic, with a probability of 15.9%.

Following Jokic closely, the players with the next highest likelihood of scoring the first basket today are Scottie Barnes at 13.4% and CJ McCollum at 13.4%.

Dimers Pro Pick of the Day: NBA First Basket [Sunday, 12/22/2024]

After simulating the outcome of today's NBA matchups 10,000 times each, our trusted predictive analytics model has found the best NBA first basket betting pick for Sunday.

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

Ochai Agbaji To Score First Basket

• Odds: +1200
• Edge: 1.8%
• Probability: 9.5%
• Matchup: Rockets vs. Raptors (6:00PM EST)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for Sunday's NBA slate in the game between the Rockets and Raptors. The bet is on Ochai Agbaji (TOR) at odds of +1200 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 1.8% according to our analysis.

Although Agbaji doesn't feature in our model's top 10 most likely first basket scorers for Sunday's NBA slate, he does present the best betting opportunity for those looking to gain 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 Sunday's data-driven NBA predictions, you can gain an advantage over everyone else.

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NBA News, Schedule Alerts and Updated Odds

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• Find broadcasting and streaming options for today's NBA games

NBA Schedule for Today [12/22/2024]

• Rockets vs. Raptors (6:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Pacers vs. Kings (6:00PM ET, Sunday)

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

Today's NBA First Basket Picks: December 22, 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 22, 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 predictions for Sunday, December 22, have been made after rigorous data-driven game simulations, giving you reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.

If you plan to use today's NBA first basket picks for your personal gambling, it's crucial 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.

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

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