Heat vs. Nuggets: NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions (Friday)
The NBA season pushes on, as do we sports betters. Let’s look at the final Friday slate of 2022 to find some first basket plays. And here’s a closer look at Heat vs. Nuggets.
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
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Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Heat vs. Nuggets
The Nuggets have been a juggernaut at home all season, and Friday night’s game should be no different. The Nuggets should take care of business from the jump. One player I’m looking at for first basket is the MVP in the middle, Nikola Jokic.
Jokic’s full-season first basket numbers are good, but nothing eye-popping. In the recent weeks where he’s picked up steam for a third straight MVP, he’s been the best first basket prop casher in the league. In his last 10 starts, Jokic scored Denver’s first field goal in six games, five of which have been the game’s first field goal. He’s almost a must-bet given how hot he’s been.
Miami is also a great matchup for Jokic. They’ve given up first field goals to big men at a very strong clip, 52%. Their post defense has taken a hit this season and going up against the most skilled big man in the league is not what the doctor ordered. Jokic having the ability to pop out and shoot from range makes this play all that more attractive.
Jokic is the shortest odds on the board for this game. I’m not going to overthink this and take the favorite.
Pick: Nikola Jokic (+410)
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