NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (4/22)
We’ve seen all eight matchups play out once in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, so we’ve got some idea about what should transpire in Game 2.
Therefore, I’ve added a couple of First-Basket bets to consider for a couple of games on the three-game slate.
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Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Orlando Magic @ Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers won the tip in Game 1 of the series and scored first. The Cavaliers made it look easy at home. Jarrett Allen won the tip over Jonathan Isaac, and 19 seconds later, Max Strus nailed the first bucket with a three-point jumper.
The Magic didn’t even score until nearly two minutes went off the clock in that first game.
That said, it’s not easy to beat Allen in the tip. He participated in 77 tip-offs and won 75% of them. Meanwhile, Isaac hasn’t won one all season. It’s very likely the Cavaliers will end up with possession of the ball first.
Although Strus scored the first bucket on Saturday, the Magic have actually allowed the most First Baskets to power forwards this season. Cleveland’s power forward is Evan Mobley. Let’s take our chances with him tonight!
Bet: Evan Mobley (+650)
Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks
Isaiah Hartenstein has done some amazing things for the Knicks this season. However, winning the tip hasn’t been one of them. Hartenstein has only won the tip in 22% of his 45 attempts this season. That’s led to the Knicks scoring the First Basket in just 45% of games this year.
On the other hand, Embiid has still won the tip 62% of the time this season and already added a tip win against the Knicks earlier in the season.
However, with his knee injury, he’s likely lost some of that dominance. In Game 1 of the series, Hartenstein won the tip, and OG Anunoby gained possession. Jalen Brunson missed the game’s first shot, but Josh Hart scored on the same possession off an offensive rebound from Hartenstein.
If the Knicks get the ball first, it’s likely that even if they miss, they’ll earn an offensive rebound for another opportunity. Ultimately, Philadelphia has allowed the most First Baskets to the power forward and center. For the Knicks, that’s Anunoby and Hartenstein.
However, Anunoby isn’t much of an offensive rebounding threat like Hartenstein. So I’ll ride with Hartenstein at +800 odds to score first.
Bet: Isaiah Hartenstein (+800)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: