NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (12/4)

The quarterfinal of the NBA In-Season Tournament is about to get underway on TNT!

With only two games on the slate, we’ll only have two first-baskets tonight. Let’s try to hit one and earn some quick profit!

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    Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers

    The Boston Celtics have hit the first field goal in 78% of games this season. They’ve also won the tip in 72% of matchups. However, those wins were typically with Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis has already been ruled out for this game against the Pacers, meaning it’ll be Al Horford taking the tip-off instead.

    Horford lost the tip-off to Paul Reed against the 76ers last time out.

    On the other hand, the Pacers have also been consistently winning the tip. They’ve earned the tip in 65% of games but have only hit the first field goal in 53% of matchups.

    The Celtics and Pacers have both hit their first field goal using their first 1.6 field goal attempts.

    If Porzingis were in for the Celtics, I’d back the Celtics to score first. But with Myles Turner available for the Pacers, Indiana has the edge to at least take the first shot.

    Turner has taken the team’s first shot attempt in 53% of games.

    However, Obi Toppin has nailed the team’s first field goal in 38% of matchups. In 16 games, Toppin has added six first baskets, with five coming in the last ten games.

    Toppin is more efficient early on. He’s also +900.

    Bet: Obi Toppin (+900)


    New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings

    The Sacramento Kings have won the tip just 33% of the time. However, the Kings have still earned the first field goal in 56% of games. That’s good for 6th in the NBA.

    Meanwhile, the Pelicans have won the tip more frequently. They’ve only scored the first field goal in 43% of games, the 8th worst in the NBA.

    The Pelicans have needed 1.7 field goal attempts to score to begin a game. The Kings have needed 1.3 field goal attempts to do the same. However, if the Pelicans give the ball to C.J. McCollum early, there’s probably nothing to worry about.

    McCollum has only played in eight games this season. In those eight games, he’s nailed four first baskets, attempting the team’s first field goal in four of those eight games. Of course, McCollum has drained all four of those attempts.

    Let’s ride with McCollum to score first tonight. He’s the one consistent scorer on the Pelicans that you can trust once New Orleans gets the ball first.

    Bet: C.J. McCollum (+950)


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

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