NBA First Basket Betting Picks & Predictions for Thursday: Clippers vs. Lakers (2022)
We’ve got another two-game slate in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks will debut against the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Los Angeles Clippers will start their season against the Los Angeles Lakers.
We’ll look to identify the two first scorers in each game. I’ve got options for both games. Read below to find out where the value is in tonight’s First Basket market for Clippers vs. Lakers.
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Top NBA First Basket Odds, Picks & Predictions: Clippers vs. Lakers
Kawhi Leonard
Anthony Davis
It’s a whole new dynamic for the Clippers this season. The Clippers will have Kawhi Leonard back, along with Paul George. We don’t have stats on Leonard since he didn’t play last year, but knowing he’s the number one option for the Clippers, I’d give him a chance.
The Clippers might want to get Leonard involved as early as possible to get him comfortable with the flow of the basketball game. This will be his first regular season game in over a year. But don’t forget just how good of a player he is.
On the other hand, Anthony Davis took the Lakers’ first field goal attempt in 39% of his 38 starts. Sure, it’s a small sample size. But the stats held true on Tuesday, with Davis converting on an easy layup just over 20 seconds into the season’s first game against the Warriors.
Davis already cashed a ticket in the first basket market. Last year, he converted on 21% of his starts. This is another solid spot for Davis to cash another ticket.
Bet: Kawhi Leonard (+600 at FanDuel)
Bet: Anthony Davis (+490 at FanDuel)
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