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Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Experience Officer
Get first basket predictions today backed 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 draw on detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Mitchell, Bones Hyland and Coby White lead Wednesday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also feature tonight's best 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% |
| Bones Hyland | Timberwolves | 12.2% |
| Coby White | Bulls | 11.8% |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 11.0% |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 10.8% |
| Josh Giddey | Bulls | 10.8% |
| Jaylen Wells | Grizzlies | 10.6% |
| Cedric Coward | Grizzlies | 10.1% |
| Rudy Gobert | Timberwolves | 9.6% |
| Santi Aldama | Grizzlies | 9.5% |
| Darius Garland | Cavaliers | 9.2% |
| Jaden McDaniels | Timberwolves | 9.0% |
| Donte DiVincenzo | Timberwolves | 8.5% |
| De'Andre Hunter | Cavaliers | 7.8% |
| Isaac Okoro | Bulls | 7.3% |
NBA first basket picks today (December 17, 2025)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bones Hyland | Timberwolves | 3.1% | +1000 | 12.2% |
| Jaylen Wells | Grizzlies | 2.3% | +1100 | 10.6% |
| Coby White | Bulls | 2.3% | +950 | 11.8% |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 0.7% | +500 | 17.4% |
| Cedric Coward | Grizzlies | 0.6% | +950 | 10.1% |
| Josh Giddey | Bulls | 0.2% | +850 | 10.8% |
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, Bones Hyland and Coby White lead our first basket projections, with Hyland shaping as the strongest value play at +1000. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
For tips and resources on responsible wagering, visit our Responsible Gambling section.
Damien Souness is Chief Experience Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, helping lead sports media brands such as Dimers. He specializes in creating trustworthy and data-driven content for sports fans, with experience working for globally recognized sports and media organizations.
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