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NBA first basket predictions for Game 6 include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam [6/19/2025]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer
Our expert analysis on Thursday's NBA first basket market.
This Thursday, June 19th, it's time for a big day of NBA Finals action, with the Thunder facing the Pacers Game 6 of the 2025 Finals at 8:30PM ET.
After scrutinizing Thursday's NBA simulation results this morning (see Dimers Pro for full access), our data experts have announced their best first basket bet of the day.
Bet smarter with Pro: Use 20BASKETBALL for 20% off Get Dimers Pro Additionally, this article reveals the NBA players our predictive analytics model has determined to have the greatest chance of scoring the first basket in Thursday'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, Thursday's NBA Finals Game 6 is set to showcase players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam and Jalen Williams, each with a high probability of scoring the first basket in tonight's matchup.
Who Will Score the First Basket Tonight? [NBA Cheat Sheet for June 19, 2025]
According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket in Thursday's clash is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a probability of 15.4%.
With Game 6 of the NBA Finals between OKC and Indiana on the slate for tonight, DimersBOT has provided the probabilities for each of the 10 projected starters to score the first basket:
| Player (Team) | First Basket Probability |
|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) | 15.4% |
| Pascal Siakam (Pacers) | 15.0% |
| Jalen Williams (Thunder) | 13.1% |
| Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) | 11.0% |
| Chet Holmgren (Thunder) | 10.1% |
| Myles Turner (Pacers) | 9.3% |
| Aaron Nesmith (Pacers) | 8.2% |
| Isaiah Hartenstein (Thunder) | 6.8% |
| Andrew Nembhard (Pacers) | 6.5% |
| Luguentz Dort (Thunder) | 4.6% |
Following Gilgeous-Alexander closely, the players with the next highest likelihood of scoring the first basket today are Pascal Siakam at 15.0% and Jalen Williams at 13.1%.
Dimers Pro Pick of the Day: NBA First Basket [NBA Finals Game 6]
After simulating the result of today's Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6, our independent predictive analytics model has discovered the best NBA first basket betting pick for Thursday.
For full access to our comprehensive analysis and top picks, subscribe to Dimers Pro.
Pascal Siakam To Score First Basket
- Odds: +750
- Edge: 3.2%
- Probability: 15%
- Matchup: Thunder vs. Pacers (8:30PM ET)
Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for Game 6 between the Thunder and Pacers. The bet is on Pascal Siakam (IND) at odds of +750 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 3.2% according to our analysis.
Our model not only highlights Siakam for his 3.2% betting edge but also ranks him among the top three most first basket likely scorers for today's Thunder vs. Pacers game, 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 Thursday'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!
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Today's NBA First Basket Picks: June 19, 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 19, 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 and predictions for Thursday, June 19, are the result of 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 sports betting, it's vital that you practice responsible gambling 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 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.
Nick Slade, with nearly two decades of experience, is the Chief Content Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, overseeing content for Dimers. He specializes in soccer, NBA, and NHL betting, leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning to provide accurate betting insights.
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