Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/15)
There are only four games on tonight’s NBA slate. Therefore, we’ve only got four games to choose from to find the first basket scorers tonight.
I’ve reviewed all the data and found my most confident long-shot first-basket plays for tonight.
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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/15)
Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets
The Heat and Rockets haven’t done well in this season’s first-basket market. The Heat have only hit 31% of first baskets, while the Rockets have nailed only 37% of first baskets.
The Heat have won the tip 48% of games this season, while the Rockets are stuck at 33%. The Heat have also taken 12 first shots this season, while the Rockets have settled for only 10 first shots.
With that said, I’ll rock with the Heat to score first. Bam Adebayo has nailed four first baskets on four first shots. The Heat have emphasized getting him the ball early in games, and he’s been the most consistent producer.
But he’s not going to be playing. The next in line would be Kyle Lowry. But guess what? He’s also not playing. Therefore, I’d like to believe that Tyler Herro will be more of a contributor as a starter. I’ll back Herro to score first.
Bet: Tyler Herro (+500)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz
These two teams have met twice this year. The Pelicans scored the first basket in both games after winning the tip.
The Jazz have only scored the first basket 27% of the game while winning the tip only 30% of the game. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have scored the first basket in 56% of games and have won the tip in 44% of games.
New Orleans should be able to earn another first tip and shoot the first shot of the game. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have already added first baskets against the Jazz.
Ingram has a higher percentage on the first shots being scored. But he won’t be playing. So we’ll settle for CJ McCollum to score the first basket at +750.
Bet: CJ McCollum (+750)
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Suns and Clippers met once this season. Devin Booker added the first basket for the Suns after Phoenix won the tip, with DeAndre Ayton beating Ivica Zubac for the ball.
Both teams have scored the first basket over 45% of the time. However, only the Suns have been more consistent at winning tips, earning 68% of first possessions. The Suns have also taken the first shot 61% of the time, while the Clippers have taken the first shot 53% of the time.
The Suns likely end up with the ball first. But without Devin Booker on the floor tonight, someone else will need to step up. That someone else will likely be Mikal Bridges, who has taken four of the game’s first shots and nailed three.
If you want to get crazy, Torrey Craig at +1200 is also attractive. He’s already scored two first baskets this season, and at +1200, there’s plenty of value there.
Bet: Mikal Bridges (+500)
Bet: Torrey Craig (+1200)
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