NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (3/4)
We’ve got another full week of NBA action on the horizon! We’re guaranteed six first-basket scorers with six games on the slate tonight. Let’s at least hit one of these longshot bets tonight!
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Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Brooklyn Nets
What are the Grizzlies without Jaren Jackson Jr.?
Without Jackson Jr., Memphis will rely on Santi Aldama to win tonight’s opening tip. He went 1-for-1 with opening tips this season. But ultimately, it’ll be hard to trust Aldama against Nic Claxton of the Nets.
Claxton has added the tip in 64% of 50 games this season. That’s a much better sample size and a proven track record that we can stand by.
Over the last 20 games, Memphis has allowed the first basket to centers in 45% of those games. That’s ultimately why Claxton is sitting at +500 to score first. He’s got the highest probability out of anyone in this game.
Claxton already has 14 first baskets made in 50 games. He’s also scored the first basket in 28% of games to lead the Nets in that category. On top of that, Claxton has also added the team’s first basket in 40% of games when he’s on the floor.
Therefore, we’re totally rocking with Claxton tonight.
Bet: Nic Claxton (+500)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Los Angeles Clippers will ride with Ivica Zubac in the opening tip, while the Milwaukee Bucks will rely on Brook Lopez.
Lopez has added the tip in 54% of 57 tries this season. However, Zubac has only won the tip in 32% of his 47 opening tips this season.
Lopez and the Bucks have the advantage and will likely get the ball first.
On top of that, over the last 20 games, the Bucks have scored the first basket in 75% of games, while the Clippers have only added the first basket in 45% of games.
In those 20 games, the Clippers have allowed centers to score first 40% of the time. Brook Lopez is currently sitting at +700 to score first.
In the last nine games that Lopez has started, he’s added two first baskets and has scored the team’s first basket in 33% of games. Only Damian Lillard has more first baskets in the last ten games for the Bucks. That said, let’s roll with Lopez at +700. He’s got a great matchup against the Clippers.
Bet: Brook Lopez (+700)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: