NBA Finals First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (Heat vs. Nuggets)
The Miami Heat stunned the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, pushing the series to 1-1 through the first two games.
The Heat are now in the driver’s seat, with the next two games in Miami.
How will the Nuggets respond early in Game 3 on the road? Here are a couple of first-basket options that you should consider for tonight’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets
The Heat and Nuggets have played four games against one another throughout the year.
The Nuggets won two tips and scored first both times that won the tip. Meanwhile, the Heat also won two tips and scored first in those games.
Both teams have earned the tip in 48 percent of games this season. The Nuggets have taken more first-shot attempts and have scored the first basket 51 percent of the time.
The Heat have a 38 percent first basket rate this season and have taken the first shot in 49 percent of games. Miami isn’t always the most efficient offense to start games. Honestly, they haven’t been efficient throughout the season. However, they’ve improved in the playoffs, which ultimately matters.
The Nuggets have had Kentavious Calkdwell-Pope and Jamal Murray score first against the Heat this year. But neither have them has even earned double-digits in first baskets. Nikola Jokic has attempted 13 first shots and has scored 16 first baskets. He leads the team and was the only consistent scorer for the Nuggets in Game 2.
Denver will want to get Jokic the ball early and let him get to work. He’s carried the offense for most of the year and they’ll need that same kind of play in Game 3 on the road.
I’ll take Jokic to score first tonight.
Bet: Nikola Jokic (+460)
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