NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Friday (11/8)
The NBA season is in full swing. Friday night provides a full slate of action with plenty of great angles to bet on. For a fun, quick hitter, here are a few solid First Basket plays.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Friday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Who will score the first basket in today’s NBA games? We compare historical first basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.
Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Hornets
The Pacers and Hornets are looking to springboard off of slow starts to the season. This game could play a big role in turning things around, so both teams will be looking to get off to a hot start. Considering Charlotte has struggled scoring first dating back to last season, I'm targeting the Pacers.
The matchup I like here is Myles Turner. Turner has secured 17 of these since the beginning of last season, so he's someone Indiana likes to go to early. Charlotte has also allowed first scores to opposing centers more than any position. With the matchup and spot considered, Turner is the best play in this game.
Pick: Myles Turner (+700)
Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics
When Boston plays, it's typically a safe bet to back them on the First Basket. Returning to last season, they scored first in almost two-thirds of their games. Against a team like Brooklyn that is under 50% and shooting poorly on their first shot attempts, it's another spot to back Boston.
This is a great opportunity to go with Jayson Tatum. After the loss to Golden State, this is another chance for him to have a big game. Tatum already has 14 First-Baskets since the start of last season, and I like him to add to that on Friday night.
Pick: Jayson Tatum (+400)
Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings
The Kings host the Clippers on Friday night, and this matchup has plenty of intriguing angles. We're focused on First Baskets and the Kings have been really good at scoring first this season and last. I'll be backing them again on Friday night.
Regarding first-team scorers, the Clippers have a weakness against opposing centers. Unfortunately, they're going up against one of the best First Basket centers in Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis has managed to score 18 First Baskets dating back to last year. In this matchup, he has a prime opportunity to add to that number, and he rounds out my Friday night card.
Pick: Domantas Sabonis (+600)