Jul 9, 2025
Dimers Pro July 4 Sale: Get 50% Off Dimers Pro - OFFER EXTENDED
Read Article NBA First Basket Predictions for Game 5 Include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam [6/16/2025]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Our expert analysis on Monday's NBA first basket market.
This Monday, June 16th, we have another exciting day of NBA ahead of us, with the Pacers taking on the Thunder Game 5 of the 2025 Finals at 8:30PM ET.
After scrutinizing Monday's NBA simulations early this morning (see Dimers Pro for full access), our data analysts have announced their best first basket bet of the day.
Get 20% off Dimers Pro with code 20BASKETBALL Get Dimers Pro Additionally, this article reveals the NBA players our predictive analytics model has projected to have the greatest chance of scoring the first basket in Monday's lone game.
Let's dive into today's NBA first basket news and updates.
NBA Players to Watch Today
Based on the most recent latest NBA Injury Report, Monday's NBA Finals Game 5 is set to showcase star players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, each with a high probability of scoring first in tonight's matchup.
Who Will Score the First Basket Tonight? [NBA Cheat Sheet for June 16, 2025]
According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket in Monday's clash is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a probability of 15.5%.
With Game 5 of the NBA Finals between OKC and Indiana scheduled for tonight, here are the probabilities for each of the 10 likely starters to score first:
| Player (Team) | First Basket Probability |
|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) | 15.5% |
| Pascal Siakam (Pacers) | 13.6% |
| Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) | 12.2% |
| Jalen Williams (Thunder) | 12.2% |
| Chet Holmgren (Thunder) | 10.0% |
| Myles Turner (Pacers) | 9.2% |
| Aaron Nesmith (Pacers) | 8.3% |
| Isaiah Hartenstein (Thunder) | 7.8% |
| Andrew Nembhard (Pacers) | 6.7% |
| Luguentz Dort (Thunder) | 4.5% |
Following Gilgeous-Alexander closely, the players with the next highest likelihood of cashing your first basket bets are Pascal Siakam at 13.6% and Tyrese Haliburton at 12.2%.
Dimers Pro Pick of the Day: NBA First Basket [NBA Finals Game 5]
Having simulated the outcome of today's Pacers vs. Thunder Game 5, our independent predictive analytics model has generated the best NBA first basket bet for you to make on Monday.
For full access to our comprehensive analysis and top picks, subscribe to Dimers Pro.
Tyrese Haliburton To Score First Basket
- Odds: +1200
- Edge: 4.5%
- Probability: 12.2%
- Matchup: Pacers vs. Thunder (8:30PM ET)
Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for Game 5 between the Pacers and Thunder. The bet is on Tyrese Haliburton (IND) at odds of +1200 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 4.5% according to our analysis.
Our model not only highlights Haliburton for his 4.5% betting edge but also ranks him among the top three most first basket likely scorers for today's Pacers vs. Thunder matchup, as seen in the above list.
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.
For today's full list of NBA Finals prop picks, join Dimers Pro. We give you the tools and information to succeed with hundreds of data-driven bets across thousands of games. Sign up now to join the community!
Access all of our NBA bets Get Dimers Pro 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
Today's NBA First Basket Picks: June 16, 2025
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 June 16, 2025. Automation assists in data collection, analysis, and formatting, while human editing and quality control ensure the content meets our editorial guidelines.
All of Dimers' NBA first basket picks for Monday, June 16, are based on thousands of data-driven game simulations, providing reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.
If you use today's NBA first basket predictions for your personal gambling, it's important that you gamble responsibly and manage your finances effectively. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
Note: Clicking links to our sportsbook partners may earn us a referral fee.
Learn about how we review products and services.
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 About NBA
This article is part of our NBA player props and NBA best bets series.
For more NBA betting content, we have NBA trends for every game, as well as daily NBA betting news and the latest NBA title odds and predictions.
Damien Souness leverages over 15 years of experience to create engaging content focused on sports, online gaming and wagering. As Chief Innovation Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, the parent company of Dimers, he offers strategic insights and innovative solutions to enhance the player experience.
Advertiser disclosure
Swipe across to view more offers 
