Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (10/21)
We're back into the thick of another NBA season, and we get a full Friday slate. Let's take a look at the loaded board and identify some value first basket picks.
- Top 3 NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday
- NBA Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks, & Predictions: Friday
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards
The Wizards have had a lot of roster turnover in the last 10 months. It can be tough to tell who will be the go-to guy early in games.
After Porzingis made his Wizards debut it, he was the guy, taking the first team field goal in nearly half of his starts. With a healthy Bradley Beal, this may not be as much of an obvious pick.
However, in Wednesday's win, Porzingis took the first shot for the Wizards, getting fouled on the attempt. I will keep riding the trend against a Bulls team that will key in on stopping Beal early, giving Porzingis room to make plays.
Pick: Kristaps Porzingis
Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks
After a historic rookie debut, Paolo Banchero is cementing himself early as the go to guy in Orlando. His ability to stretch the defense as well as body up any player down low is what made him the first overall pick in the draft back in June.
It will help Banchero all season playing with a big man like Wendell Carter, who doesn't clog the lane. This was the case on the first possession Wednesday, as he was able to penetrate the defense and score the first basket.
I'm going to ride the hot hand as the Magic look to continue to build their game plan around their budding star.
Pick: Paolo Banchero
Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets
This game presents one of the biggest jump ball mismatches of the night. Memphis's Steven Adams is one of the best jump ball big men in the game regarding tip-winning percentage.
With the best chance to get the first possession, I'll key in on Memphis to score the first basket. Last year, Memphis relied on Jaren Jackson and Dillon Brooks in these situations, but Jackson is out for a while, and Brooks is doubtful to suit up. That's why I'm keying in on Desmond Bane.
Ja Morant was magnificent in Wednesday's win, but he'll likely look to get his teammates more involved. No player needs to get going more than Bane, who has struggled to find his range, going 9-38 (23.7%) from long range in the preseason and opening night. Memphis will try to get him going early in this one.
Pick: Desmond Bane
Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors
The Nuggets have had this game circled in the schedule all off-season. They'll look to avenge a hard-fought first-round playoff loss to the Warriors.
Denver must figure out how they will reacclimate Jamal Murray and Michael Porter into the offense. Luckily for them, they have the two-time reigning MVP to run the show while they figure it out.
I like Nikola Jokic to get the first basket in this one, as he'll look to impose his presence early against a team that got under his skin last postseason.
Pick: Nikola Jokic
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts
Whether you're new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section - including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners - or head to more advanced strategy - like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread - to learn more.