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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (3/13)

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We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for some quick action.

There are seven games on the NBA slate tonight. I’m eying three of those games and betting on the first-basket market.

Not only do we need to figure out which team will score first. But we’ve also got to determine which player of the five will score the first basket.

However, if we hit just one player to score the first basket, we’ll be profitable in this market tonight. That’s essentially the goal. Here are my picks for tonight’s first-basket market in the NBA.

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Monday:

View 5-star bets and historical prop performance by players with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>

Monday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Atlanta Hawks

I tend to pick on the Atlanta Hawks a lot in this market. The Hawks have only won the tip in 41% of games this year and have attempted the first shot in 46%.

The probability of the Hawks getting the ball first and scoring first is low. I’m more comfortable taking the team that wins the tip to score the first basket.

Minnesota wins the tip in 60% of games and takes the first shot in 59%. The Timberwolves have also scored the first basket in 63% of games this year. There’s a much higher probability that Minnesota wins the tip and scores first.

Anthon Edwards is currently tied for the most first-shots attempted on the Timberwolves. However, he has the most first-baskets made, with 12 of Minnesota’s 43 first shots this season. Back Edwards to get the job done tonight.

Bet: Anthony Edwards (+650) 

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas is another team that struggles to win the tip. The Mavericks have only won the tip in 32% of games this year and have attempted the first shot in 35%.

Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies have earned the tip in 64% of games and have attempted the first shot in 61% of games. On top of that, the Grizzlies have also scored the first basket in 65% of games, which is almost one made the first basket in two of every three games.

Ja Morant still won’t be around for the Grizzlies tonight. The lineup includes Tyus Jones, Xavier Tillman, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Jarren Jackson Jr.

Tillman hasn’t started more games this year but still has seven first baskets made on the court. He’ll continue to get starter minutes with Steven Adams still out with an injury. Memphis has been going to him early lately, too.

Bet: Xavier Tillman (+500)

Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets

The Celtics played the Rockets earlier this year and won the tip. However, the Rockets scored first in that game, despite the Celtics earning the tip.

Still, I’m always way more comfortable taking the more consistent team. The Celtics are that. Boston has won the tip 50% of the time and has scored the first basket in 50% of games. On the other hand, Houston has won the tip in just 31% of games this year and has attempted the first basket in 34% of games.

They should have possession first. Jayson Tatum has attempted nine first shots and has scored nine first baskets this season. Jaylen Brown might have more first shots, but he hasn’t been nearly as consistent as Tatum in making the shots.

Back Tatum to score first tonight.

Bet: Jayson Tatum (+420)

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