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NBA first basket picks and predictions for Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Get first basket predictions today driven by expert analysis of NBA slate on 12/17.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Wednesday, December 17, 2025—are live with the Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections make use of key first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Mitchell, Anthony Edwards and Coby White lead Wednesday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also highlight tonight's top first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA first basket predictions tonight (December 17, 2025)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 17.4% |
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 14.8% |
| Coby White | Bulls | 11.8% |
| Nikola Vucevic | Bulls | 11.3% |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 11.0% |
| Josh Giddey | Bulls | 10.8% |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 10.0% |
| Jaylen Wells | Grizzlies | 9.8% |
| Ja Morant | Grizzlies | 9.8% |
| Cedric Coward | Grizzlies | 9.3% |
| Darius Garland | Cavaliers | 9.2% |
| Rudy Gobert | Timberwolves | 8.9% |
| Matas Buzelis | Bulls | 8.8% |
| Santi Aldama | Grizzlies | 8.7% |
| Jaden McDaniels | Timberwolves | 8.4% |
NBA first basket picks today (December 17, 2025)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Wells | Grizzlies | 2.1% | +1200 | 9.8% |
| Isaac Okoro | Bulls | 1.7% | +1700 | 7.3% |
| Cedric Coward | Grizzlies | 1.6% | +1200 | 9.3% |
| Coby White | Bulls | 1.3% | +850 | 11.8% |
| Nikola Vucevic | Bulls | 0.2% | +800 | 11.3% |
Edges represent the difference between model probability and implied odds.
For more insights on prop markets and value plays across the league, explore our full list of NBA prop bets for 12/17.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Edwards and Coby White lead our first basket projections, while Jaylen Wells shapes as the strongest value play at +1200. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
For guidance on safer wagering habits, explore our Responsible Gambling resources.
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.
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