NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (2/9)
After a whirlwind NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday, rosters are still a bit in flux as new players are traveling and working their way in with their new teams. Because of this, it can be hard to tell who will be in the starting lineup.
Therefore, I'm focusing on some tried and true picks for First Basket bets on Friday night.
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Friday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Washington Wizards @ Boston Celtics
The Wizards' season has really gone off the rails. Whether on the offensive or the defensive side, they really haven't been able to figure it out. They'll go against a Boston team tonight whose sights are set squarely on an NBA title. Boston has been an excellent team when it comes to First Baskets, and one player in particular continues to thrive.
Jaylen Brown leads all of the Celtics starters with 15 first-team scores this season. This is a pretty impressive number, considering he has only 47 starts this year. Eleven times, these first-team scores resulted in the first score of the game.
With the Wizards moving Daniel Gafford at the deadline, they took a blow on their frontcourt defense. Brown should have no issue scoring against any of the forwards in Washington, and I like him to secure his 12th First Basket of the season.
Bet: Jaylen Brown (+460)
Houston Rockets @ Toronto Raptors
The Raptors made a handful of moves over the last few weeks to really change the team’s direction. They are now building towards the future. Houston, meanwhile has a chance to push for the playoffs down the stretch here. What this means for First Basket betting is that Houston may have an advantage given the lineup flux in Toronto.
Like most teams, Toronto struggles against opposing centers regarding First Baskets. Houston's emerging star center, Alperen Sengun, has been one of the best early scorers in the league this year. He's scored the first field goal 19 times for Houston this season. They clearly like his offensive skill, and he's rewarded the Houston offense.
Sengun's success has resulted in eight First Baskets this season, and I like this matchup for him today. Sengun is a mismatch for everyone Toronto can put on the floor. Given the season’s success and the matchup, Sengun is a great play for a First Basket.
Bet: Alperen Sengun (+500)
New Orleans Pelicans @ Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers made waves at the deadline for the moves they didn't make. Los Angeles stood their ground at decided to roll forward with the roster as currently constructed. They'll be playing on the second night of an emotional back-to-back. Because of this, there is some risk that Anthony Davis may not play today. However, I'm taking Davis for a First Basket if he’s in the lineup.
New Orleans is a team that struggles to prevent centers from scoring early, and Davis is ready to take advantage of that weakness. He leads the Lakers with 14 first-team field goals. This success has led to seven First Baskets on the season.
The Lakers need to keep pace to stay in the playoff hunt, and with time off next week, I see the Lakers playing their starters on a back-to-back. If they do, Davis is a great play for the First Basket. I'll trust him in an excellent matchup against his former team.
Bet: Anthony Davis (+470)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: