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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (12/18)

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I’m eying a few first-basket props for tonight’s NBA slate.

With 11 games, we’ll have 11 different players who score first tonight. Our goal is to hit at least one of those 11 and profit on the night.

My picks and thoughts for tonight’s first basket market are below.

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    Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors

    The Toronto Raptors lead the NBA in first field goals. They’ve hit the first field goal in 80% of games despite only winning the tip in 52% of matchups.

    Essentially, the Raptors waste no time scoring. They’ve needed only 1.2 field goal attempts to make their first shot this season. That leads the NBA.

    On the other hand, the Hornets have only scored the first field goal in 29% of games. While the Hornets have won the tip 54% of the game, they’ve needed 1.9 field goal attempts to score their first bucket.

    Therefore, even if the Hornets win the tip, it’s more likely that they will miss on their first attempt. It’s also expected that the Raptors will score on their first attempt.

    Toronto’s Scottie Barnes has been the most consistent first basket scorer on the Raptors. Barnes has attempted the team’s first field goal attempt in 36% of games and has added the team’s first field goal in 32% of matchups. He’s hit five of the last ten and has nailed eight first field goals this season.

    Take a chance on Barnes.

    Bet: Scottie Barnes (+425)

    Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets

    The Dallas Mavericks have struggled to win the tip this season. Dallas had added just 36% of tip wins this season. However, despite that, the Mavericks have still scored the first field goal in 56% of games.

    However, they’ll take on a Nuggets team that has won the tup in 52% of games. With that, Denver has added the first field goal in 59% of games.

    Denver is just as consistent as Dallas regarding the first field goal. However, it’s more likely that the Nuggets win the tip and shoot the ball first. With that, Denver has a higher probability of scoring first.

    The Nuggets will likely start their usual five. Therefore, Nikola Jokic stands out the most. Jokic has taken the team’s first field goal in 46% of games and has scored the team’s first field goal in 42% of games. In 26 starts, Jokic has added the first field goal in 11 games this season.

    Take Jokic here.

    Bet: Nikola Jokic (+400)

    Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:

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