Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/14)
The first-basket market is everyone’s favorite. The adrenaline rush is like nothing you’ve ever felt. Once the game tips off, you’ve got about one minute until you know if you won or lost. It’s electric!
I’ve added three players who could score first in their respective games tonight for the NBA first-basket market.
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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/14)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
The Atlanta Hawks have scored the first basket in 64% of games this season. Still, they’ve only won 50% of tips and have taken the first shot 46% of the time.
On the other hand, the Magic have scored the first basket just 50% of the time, despite earning the tip 64% of the time. Although the Magic usually shoot first, they’re not consistently making shots.
The Hawks have been the better team early.
Trae Young has three first shots and five baskets for the Hawks this season. He’s had the most volume early this season and is a candidate to score first again tonight.
Bet: Trae Young (+600)
New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have only scored the first basket 38% of the time. The Bulls have won the tip just 19% of the time and have taken the first shot in 23% of games this season. For first baskets, the Bulls have been a significant fade.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have hit 48% of first baskets and won the tip 48% of the time while taking 41% of the first shots.
The Knicks have enjoyed going inside to their big men. Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle have both made four first baskets. But with how Randle has played over the last couple of games, I’d expect the Knicks to feed the hot hand early.
Bet: Julius Randle (+440)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Dallas Mavericks
It’s more likely that the Cavaliers will win the tip-off against the Mavericks, even on the road.
Dallas has earned the first basket in 48% of games this season. However, the Mavericks have also won the tip just 41% of the time. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have won the tip 64% this season while earning the first basket 50% of the time.
Cleveland has taken the first shot in 17 of 28 games this season. With that said, Donovan Mitchell has seven of the team’s 14 first baskets this season. He’s also taken five first shots for the Cavaliers when on the floor.
So let’s back Mitchell to keep that trend moving. I like him to score the first basket in tonight’s game against Dallas.
Bet: Donovan Mitchell (+400)
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