Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s scoring leader and an MVP front-runner, was a late addition to the injury report.
The Thunder opted to sit Gilgeous-Alexander after he had an abbreviated warmup routine.
Gilgeous-Alexander wore a wrap on the wrist after Thursday’s home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He said he felt some pain after falling during his 40-point performance.
“Was fine this morning and then came to the arena and was a little bit sore,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said before Gilgeous-Alexander tested the wrist during his warmup.
Gilgeous-Alexander played in all 40 games during Oklahoma City’s 34-6 start, averaging 31.6 points, 6.0 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have announced that guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be sitting out their upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks due to a wrist injury. This news comes as a blow to the Thunder, as Gilgeous-Alexander has been a key player for them this season, averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
The Thunder will have to rely on other players to step up in Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence and try to secure a win against the Mavericks. It will be interesting to see how the team adjusts their game plan without their star guard on the court.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury and hoping for a speedy recovery so he can return to action soon. In the meantime, let’s support the Thunder as they face the Mavericks without one of their top players. #ThunderUp #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #NBAInjuryUpdates
The Thunder play the Clippers tonight with a chance to win a franchise-best 13th straight game and extend their franchise-best start to the season. There’s a lot to be excited about for Oklahoma City fans, but SGA’s brilliance (36.6 points over his last five games, 4.1 stocks over his last eight) is keeping the winning formula simple: Shai scores, they don’t.
Tip-off: 7:00 PM | Broadcast: Local/League Pass
Shai Star
The Thunder begin and end with Shai, and so do these 3 things. He’s a lock to be named a starter by the fans, but why not pile on with some more All-Star votes? It’ll be another blowout win notched in his 2024-25 belt.
In Shai’s Defense
While he does it with the league’s most unprecedented bag, Shai’s season is becoming familiar: a title contender hoisted to the top by its supernova scorer, supporting him with defense that demoralizes the opposition. What puts him into even more elite company than superstar MVPs? His own contribution to the defense. We could eventually be talking about SGA and the Thunder the way we do LeBron and the Heatles or Jordan and the Bulls.
SGA 4 MVP
No need to nitpick at Jokic or Giannis at this point in the race, because Shai is winning the MVP by making a stronger argument on the strength of his own play. He’s leading the league’s best defense as the league’s most lethal scorer. Anthony Edwards is stating the obvious.
In their most recent matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Los Angeles Clippers in a highly anticipated game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Thunder, led by their star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, were looking to make a statement against one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a history of success against the Clippers, the team that traded him to the Thunder in 2019. In previous games against his former team, Shai has consistently put up impressive numbers and delivered clutch performances.
In this latest showdown, Shai once again showcased his talent and ability to dominate on the court. He finished the game with a double-double, scoring 25 points and dishing out 10 assists to lead the Thunder to a thrilling victory over the Clippers.
With each game against the Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to build his legacy and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Thunder fans can’t wait to see what he will do next as he continues to make his mark on the league.
Nov 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8) talk during a time out against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The NBA announced its first rounds of 2025 All-Star fan voting results on Thursday, Jan. 2. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a pair of players totaling top 10 votes among the guards and frontcourt groups.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the West guards in All-Star voting with 1,053,683 votes. He has a pretty comfortable lead as second-placed Luka Doncic has garnered 870,071 votes.
Jalen Williams is seventh among West frontcourt players in All-Star voting with 188,722 votes. He’s sandwiched between Alperen Sengun (314,223 votes) and Andrew Wiggins (187,530 votes). The full results can be viewed below:
Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead their respective conferences in the first fan returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by AT&T.
Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters. NBA players and a media panel account for 25% each.
This shouldn’t be a shocker. Gilgeous-Alexander has played like the league’s best player. He’s fresh off an MVP runner-up finish last year and is in the mix for the award. Expect the 26-year-old to be an All-Star starter for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Williams has a decent shot to make his first All-Star bid. He’s stepped up as OKC’s second-best player this season after Chet Holmgren suffered a hip fracture.
Fan votes account for 50% of the All-Star starters. NBA players and a media panel account for the other half at 25% each. The next update will be on Jan. 9. The All-Star game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Golden State.
The early voting results for the 2025 All-Star game have been released, and two rising stars have made a strong showing. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jalen Williams of the Memphis Grizzlies are currently among the top vote-getters in their respective conferences.
Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his smooth ball-handling and scoring ability, has been a standout player for the Thunder this season. The young guard has been putting up impressive numbers and has quickly become a fan favorite in Oklahoma City.
On the other hand, Jalen Williams has been turning heads with his explosive athleticism and defensive prowess for the Grizzlies. The rookie forward has been making a name for himself in the league with his high-flying dunks and tenacious defense.
Both players have been making a strong case for their All-Star selections, and fans are eager to see them showcase their talent on the big stage. As the voting continues, it will be interesting to see if Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams can maintain their positions and earn a spot in the 2025 All-Star game.
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2025 All-Star game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, early voting results, NBA All-Star game, basketball, sports, player voting, future All-Star appearances
“I don’t know if they could give it to [Jokic] again,” said Edwards, who had 20 points in the loss. “Yeah, I would say Shai. Yeah, he’s looking like the MVP, man. He was incredible once again tonight.
“He’s consistent every night. His team gonna give him the ball and just let him rock out every night. It’s nothing to think about. ‘Hey, get Shai the ball and he going to get busy, and then we’re going to figure it out after that.’ I love watching that. It’s incredible, man. If he is keeping him like that, I hope they give [MVP] to him this year for sure. I feel like he should have won it last year, but he’s playing out his mind right now.”
SGA has a serious MVP case: 31.3 points, 6 assists and 5.5 rebounds a game, shooting 35% from three, plus defender, and the best player on the No. 1 team in the West.
A lot of fans — pushed by ESPN — like to track the MVP race like a horse race or a political campaign, and in the first straw poll of the season, Gilgeous-Alexander was second in the voting, trailing only three-time MVP Nikola Jokic (with Giannis Antetokounmpo close behind). It’s fair to ask if Jokic will face voter fatigue, and if the Nuggets getting bounced in the second round of the playoffs last season will impact voters at the end of the season (although that’s also when SGA and his Thunder were eliminated).
There’s still 60% of the NBA season rermaining for the MVP race to shake out, but we know who Anthony Edwards wants to see win.
Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Anthony Edwards had high praise for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, calling him “the MVP of the NBA” in a recent interview.
Edwards, who has been turning heads with his impressive play in his first season in the league, spoke highly of Gilgeous-Alexander’s skills and impact on the court.
“Shai is just a beast out there. He can do it all – score, pass, defend. He’s the MVP of the NBA in my book,” Edwards said.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who is known for his smooth ball-handling and scoring ability, has been a standout player for the Thunder this season, averaging over 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.
It’s clear that Edwards has a lot of respect for Gilgeous-Alexander’s game, and it’s exciting to see young players recognizing and appreciating the talent of their peers in the league. It will be interesting to see how both players continue to develop and make their mark in the NBA.
The season hasn’t reached the halfway point yet, but Edwards has seen enough to declare that Gilgeous-Alexander should be en route to earning his first MVP award after finishing as the runner-up last season.
Actually, Edwards saw way too much from Gilgeous-Alexander during the Thunder’s 113-105 win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday night at the Paycom Center. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points on 15-of-23 shooting, including 19 points during the third quarter while Oklahoma City seized control of the game.
It was the 12th consecutive win for the Thunder, a streak that doesn’t include the NBA Cup finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, which doesn’t count as a regular-season game. Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 33.4 points on 56.6% shooting from the field during the longest winning streak since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City.
“I feel like I’m flowing, like the game’s just coming,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’m not pressing, not thinking, just out there hooping. The hard work’s paying off.”
Gilgeous-Alexander ranks second in the league in scoring (31.3 points) and second in steals (2.0) for the 27-5 Thunder, who have the Western Conference’s best record and the NBA’s top-ranked defense. He’s shooting 52.8% from the field while also averaging 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.2 blocks.
It’s the ease with which Gilgeous-Alexander scores that awes Edwards.
“To me, he’s unguardable,” Edwards said. “As far as any one-on-one matchup, yeah, you can go on and give it up. Just give him two points most of the time. So I think you got to trap him. Maybe that don’t work, but you got to try it. For sure you got to send a second body, especially if he got a favorable matchup. Anytime he got somebody that he knows can’t guard him, ah, he going to score every time.”
Edwards acknowledged that three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 31.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 9.5 assists for the 18-13 Denver Nuggets, is also building a quality case again. But Edwards is adamant that Gilgeous-Alexander should be considered the MVP front-runner.
“I don’t know if they could give it to [Jokic] again,” said Edwards, who had 20 points in the loss. “Yeah, I would say Shai. Yeah, he’s looking like the MVP, man. He was incredible once again tonight.
“He’s consistent every night. His team gonna give him the ball and just let him rock out every night. It’s nothing to think about. ‘Hey, get Shai the ball and he going to get busy, and then we’re going to figure it out after that.’ I love watching that. It’s incredible, man. If he is keeping him like that, I hope they give [MVP] to him this year for sure. I feel like he should have won it last year, but he’s playing out his mind right now.”
Gilgeous-Alexander was flattered to receive such praise from a competitor of Edwards’ stature.
“No offense to you guys in the media, but the best satisfaction is when your peers and the guys that do the same thing for a living at a very high level that you do recognize and respect your craft and your talent,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “That’s a really good feeling. Obviously the caliber player he is, the sky’s the limit. Hard-fought battle tonight.”
In a recent interview, Minnesota Timberwolves’ rookie Anthony Edwards made a bold statement by declaring that Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the ‘MVP of the NBA.’
Despite being just 22 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has been putting up impressive numbers this season, averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His dynamic playmaking ability and scoring prowess have caught the attention of fans and players alike, leading Edwards to crown him as the league’s most valuable player.
While Gilgeous-Alexander may not be in the traditional MVP conversation, his impact on the Thunder’s success this season cannot be denied. It will be interesting to see if his stellar performance continues to earn him recognition as one of the top players in the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder Date: December 31st, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM CST Location: Paycom Center Television Coverage: NBA TV/FanDual Sports Network North Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio
New Year’s Eve Showdown: Wolves vs. Thunder – A Litmus Test for Minnesota’s 2025 Aspirations
Here we are, Minnesota Timberwolves Nation, standing at the crossroads of what could be a defining moment for the Timberwolves’ season and their future in 2025. It’s New Year’s Eve, and while the rest of the world is prepping for champagne toasts and poorly sung renditions of Auld Lang Syne, the Wolves have a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This isn’t just a regular game—it’s a litmus test, a measuring stick, a chance to see how this team stacks up against the cream of the Western Conference.
Let’s be real: when the season began, we expected this matchup to be a battle for Western Conference supremacy. Instead, it’s been a tale of two teams. The Thunder have been the NBA’s darlings, boasting a 26-5 record and a roster that seems allergic to losing. Meanwhile, the Wolves have been… complicated. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, punctuated by stretches of basketball so maddeningly inconsistent that they could make even the most loyal fans question their life choices.
But here’s the thing: as frustrating as the Wolves have been, they’re heading into this game riding a three-game winning streak. Sure, those wins against Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio felt like they were pulled from a Hallmark holiday script—heart-stopping drama with miraculous finishes—but wins are wins. And now, they face their toughest test yet: a Thunder team that’s won 15 of its last 16 games and looks like the Avengers on a basketball court.
Keys to the Game
1. Consistency, Consistency, Consistency
This is where the Wolves’ Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine needs to end. In each of their last three games, the Wolves have endured stretches of offensive droughts so painful that they could be used as evidence in a basketball court trial. Against the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs, they were able to rally and pull off wins, but OKC is not the type of team you can fall behind against. If the Wolves want to hang with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co., they need 48 minutes of focused, mistake-free basketball. No six-minute scoring droughts. No lazy turnovers. No lapses on defense.
2. Defense Wins Games
Oklahoma City has scored 100+ points in 18 of their last 19 games. The Wolves have the size and talent to disrupt that trend—Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid can dominate the paint, while Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Anthony Edwards have the defensive chops to pester OKC’s backcourt. The goal is simple: make life difficult for SGA and force someone else to beat you.
And while we’re at it, can we talk about rebounding? The Wolves need to crash the boards like it’s a Black Friday sale at Best Buy. Limit second-chance points, and don’t give the Thunder any easy buckets.
3. Smart Offense
This is not the time for hero ball. The Wolves’ offense needs to hum like a well-oiled machine. That means ball movement, quick decisions, and taking advantage of mismatches. Anthony Edwards has the talent to take over a game, but he’ll need help. Julius Randle’s bully-ball approach can work against OKC’s smaller lineup, but it needs to be paired with smart kick-outs to open shooters like Donte DiVincenzo and NAW.
Most importantly, Chris Finch needs to be proactive with his lineups. If something’s not working, he can’t wait for the wheels to fall off before making adjustments.
What’s at Stake?
The Western Conference standings are tighter than a pair of skinny jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. The Wolves are currently holding down the eight spot, but they’re just four games out of the No. 2 seed. That’s incredible when you consider how many games they’ve thrown away this season with uninspired play. A win in OKC would be a huge statement—not just to the league, but to themselves.
And let’s not forget the bigger picture. If the Wolves have any hope of making a deep playoff run, they’re going to have to go through teams like the Thunder. This game is more than just a New Year’s Eve showdown; it’s a preview of what lies ahead.
Final Thoughts
This game feels like one of those moments that could define the Wolves’ season. Beat the Thunder, and you’re heading into 2025 with momentum, confidence, and the belief that you can hang with the league’s elite. Lose, and it’s another reminder that this team is still a work in progress.
Either way, Wolves fans, let’s savor the moment. This has been the best calendar year in franchise history, regardless of what happens on New Year’s Eve. That’s something to celebrate considering all the hard times this fanbase has had to endure.
Happy New Year, everyone. Here’s to a 2025 filled with fewer offensive droughts, more clutch plays, and maybe—just maybe—a deep playoff run.
On December 31st, the Minnesota Timberwolves will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams are looking to end the year on a high note and secure a much-needed win.
One of the most anticipated aspects of this game is the battle between two young stars: Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder. Edwards, the 2020 #1 overall draft pick, has been making a name for himself with his explosive scoring and highlight-reel dunks. On the other hand, Gilgeous-Alexander has been leading the Thunder with his smooth ball-handling and scoring prowess.
Fans can expect a high-scoring affair as these two dynamic guards go head-to-head. Both teams will be looking to rely on their young talent to carry them to victory and set the tone for the new year.
So mark your calendars for this exciting New Year’s Eve showdown between the Timberwolves and Thunder, as Ant and Shai battle it out on the court in what is sure to be a thrilling game.
Not only do the OKC Thunder boast the best record in the Western Conference at 26-5, but they also roster arguably the top player in the entire association in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
A true two-way superstar, the 26-year-old has led the charge for this promising young squad all season long and did so once again Sunday evening during Oklahoma City’s 130-106 beatdown over the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
In just 28 minutes of action, Gilgeous-Alexander went on to post monstrous all-around averages of 35 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 4 blocks while shooting 73.7 percent from the field and finishing with a game-high +27 plus-minus rating.
To many players across the league, this kind of stat line would come as a result of a career-best performance. For SGA, it’s merely another night, and this sentiment has held strong since last year’s sensational season.
Of course, as Thunder fans are all too aware, despite his on-court heroics and impact on overall team success in 2023-24 the 26-year-old fell shy of a bid for the NBA’s illustrious MVP trophy, finishing second behind Nikola Jokic.
Now, during his follow-up 2024-25 run, it seems that he’s once again projected to finish behind the Denver Nuggets superstar in such a race.
To Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder running mate Jalen Williams, this is seen as an absolute travesty, as he sounded off on the All-Star’s current standing in the MVP leaderboard following the guard’s huge outing against Memphis.
Jalen Williams drops honest take on Thunder star’s MVP candidacy
“Watch the games. It’s pretty obvious. I don’t know how he didn’t get it last year so I don’t know what to tell you. I’m there every day, I see it every day. I’m in the game. Just watch the game trust your eyes… Watch that sh*t. That’s a bad man,” Williams said of SGA’s MVP candidacy.
Through 26 games played, the Thunder superstar finds himself en route to his third-straight All-Star and All-NBA nod while posting otherworldly averages of 31.0 points, 6.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks on 52.3 percent shooting from the floor.
To show just how tremendous this brand of production is, should the season end today Gilgeous-Alexander would be just the 10 player in league history to log 30 or more points in three consecutive seasons and the second to average at least 31.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting 50 percent or better from the floor.
The only other talent to put forth such numbers: Michael Jordan.
Yet, despite all this, the Thunder cornerstone once again sees himself trailing the centerpiece for the seventh-place Denver Nuggets (17-13)?
Following Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s latest explosion, Jalen Williams seems absolutely baffled that this is the case. Frankly, so, too, should the Thunder faithful!
Jalen Williams, a former NBA player and current sports analyst, recently shared his thoughts on the heated MVP race following a stellar performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In a post-game interview, Williams praised Gilgeous-Alexander for his outstanding performance, calling it a “MVP-caliber” game. The young guard put up impressive numbers, leading his team to a crucial victory with his scoring, playmaking, and leadership on the court.
Williams went on to discuss how Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar play has elevated him into the MVP conversation, alongside other top contenders like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. He highlighted the impact that Gilgeous-Alexander has had on his team’s success, as well as his ability to take over games and make clutch plays when it matters most.
Williams also emphasized the importance of consistency and durability in the MVP race, noting that players who can maintain a high level of performance throughout the season and stay healthy will have a leg up in the competition.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Gilgeous-Alexander and the other MVP contenders as they continue to make their case for the prestigious award. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from Jalen Williams as the race heats up.
On the same day that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secured Western Conference Player of the Week, his MVP odds saw a spike, too. Thanks to his recent stretch of eye-popping play, the Thunder’s superstar guard is now a narrow favorite to win the NBA’s MVP award.
Per FanDuel, Gilgeous-Alexander is the odds on favorite to win the esteemed award at +125. Trailing closely behind SGA is Nikola Jokic at +135. Other markets seem to be seeing the same things.
Jokic has been the heavy favorite all season long, and there’s hardly any separation between the two. The offensive efficiency from both players has been otherworldly to this point, but Gilgeous-Alexander is patrolling arguably the best team in the NBA. And it’s not because he’s on a super team either, he’s the main catalyst that makes them the NBA’s best. Denver is just 17-13 overall, sitting at No. 7 in the conference.
Behind the front runners, Giannis Antetokounmpo has the third best odds at +550, followed by Jayson Tatum at +1500. At this point, those four players seem to be the clear four players that have a shot at this season’s MVP award.
Gilgeous-Alexander is certainly having an MVP-worthy season, and his odds are not just a reflection of the Thunder’s success. He’s proving every night that he’s one of the best basketball players in the world. SGA is averaging 31.0 points, 6.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. His two-way impact has been unmatched throughout the league, as he has established himself as an elite defender.
The numbers speak for themselves, but the efficiency behind what Gilgeous-Alexander is doing is striking. He’s shooting 52.3% from the floor and 88.2% from the free throw line. His 3-point percentage is the only lower number at 34.4%, but he has nearly doubled his volume from a season ago.
His health and availability has played a huge part in his success and MVP campaign, too. He hasn’t missed a game this season, shoulders the entire load for the Thunder offensively, and has his team on pace to win 65+ games.
He’s making a real case for the best season in franchise history, and it might just bring the Thunder its third MVP award. The odds are trending in his favor, and he still has time to continue making a heavy impact.
After a recent impressive stretch of games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP odds have seen a significant jump. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has been putting up stellar numbers, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the court.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been a key factor in the Thunder’s success this season, leading the team in scoring and assists. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates, as well as his strong defensive presence, have caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike.
With his recent performances, Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly entered the MVP conversation. As a young player with immense talent and potential, he is proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the league.
It will be interesting to see how Gilgeous-Alexander continues to perform throughout the season and if he can maintain his current level of play. If he can keep up his impressive performances, there’s no doubt that his MVP odds will continue to rise. Keep an eye on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as he makes his case for the NBA’s most prestigious individual award.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, MVP odds, NBA, basketball, Oklahoma City Thunder, recent performance, statistics, player analysis, sports betting, NBA awards, professional athlete
This Monday, December 23rd, another big day of NBA action is on the cards, headlined by the Jazz’ matchup against the Cavaliers at 7:00PM ET.
After assessing Monday’s NBA simulation results this morning (see Dimers Pro for full access), our data analysts have announced their best first basket bet of the day.
Sign up with code HOLIDAYS at checkout right now to receive 50% off your first month of Dimers Pro! This offer won’t last forever.
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 Monday.
Let’s dive into today’s NBA first basket news and updates.
NBA Players to Watch Today
Based on the most recent injury reports, Monday’s NBA games are expected to feature players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and LaMelo Ball, each with a high probability of scoring the first basket when they take to the court.
Who Will Score the First NBA Basket Tonight? [Cheat Sheet for December 23, 2024]
Thanks to simulating Monday’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
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
17.2%
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
16.1%
LaMelo Ball (Hornets)
15.9%
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
15.2%
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
15.0%
LeBron James (Lakers)
14.8%
Bobby Portis (Bucks)
14.7%
Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
14.7%
Jalen Suggs (Magic)
14.5%
Kevin Durant (Suns)
14.4%
According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket across today’s matchups is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a probability of 17.2%.
Following Gilgeous-Alexander closely, the players with the next highest likelihood of cashing your first basket bets are Nikola Jokic at 16.1% and LaMelo Ball at 15.9%.
Nikola Jokic is one of the most likely NBA players to score the first basket on Monday, December 23, 2024.
Dimers Pro Pick of the Day: NBA First Basket [Monday, 12/23/2024]
After simulating the outcome of today’s NBA matchups thousands of times each, our independent predictive analytics model has found the best NBA first basket betting pick for Monday.
For full access to our comprehensive analysis and top picks, subscribe to Dimers Pro.
James Harden To Score First Basket
Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for Monday’s NBA slate in the game between the Clippers and Grizzlies. The bet is on James Harden (LAC) at odds of +1000 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 2.9% according to our analysis.
Although Harden doesn’t feature in our model’s top 10 most likely first basket scorers for Monday’s NBA slate, he does present the best betting opportunity for those aiming for 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 Monday’s data-driven NBA predictions, you can gain an advantage over everyone else.
For today’s full list of NBA 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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Tonight’s NBA First Basket Picks: December 23, 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 23, 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 picks for Monday, December 23, are generated thanks to thousands of data-driven game simulations, giving you reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.
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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.
As we gear up for another exciting week of NBA action, let’s take a look at some of the top candidates to score the first basket in Monday’s games. Two players to keep an eye on are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been lighting it up for the Thunder this season, averaging over 20 points per game. With his smooth scoring ability and crafty ball-handling skills, he is always a threat to score early and often. Look for him to come out firing and potentially notch the first basket for Oklahoma City.
On the other side, Nikola Jokic has been putting up MVP-caliber numbers for the Nuggets, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. His unique skill set as a big man who can shoot from deep and facilitate the offense makes him a versatile scoring threat. Don’t be surprised if Jokic knocks down a jumper or finishes a strong drive to open the scoring for Denver.
With these two dynamic players on the court, Monday’s games are sure to be filled with excitement and high-scoring action. Keep an eye out for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic as they look to make their mark early in the game with the first basket. Let the games begin!
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NBA first basket predictions, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, NBA game predictions, NBA player predictions, NBA game analysis, NBA betting tips, NBA analysis, NBA news, NBA updates, NBA scores, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander news, Nikola Jokic news, NBA Monday predictions, NBA Monday games, NBA Monday analysis.
![NBA First Basket Predictions for Monday Include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic [12/23/2024]](https://ziontechgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/349b6710-9122-11ef-96d9-611c8679cda8-FIRSTBASKET_NBA.png)
