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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (12/19)

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After what I hope was a solid weekend for everyone, let’s start the week right by winning some money in first-basket bets. As always, there is a lot of variability when it comes to betting the first basket, but, keep in mind, these bets are to maximize your profit in the long run.

Here are my favorite first-basket options for tonight’s slate.

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (12/19)

Paolo Banchero (+650)

In Bol Bol we trust.

While Orlando’s offense may not be the best in the game, they sure do capitalize on first buckets. Bol has been quite successful with the opening tip, winning it at a 60 percent clip with Orlando converting at a 53 percent rate. 

A forward has scored the Magic’s first basket over 50 percent of the time. Really I’m just playing the numbers here. It is tempting to pick Trae Young or any other Atlanta Hawk, but I do see a Magic player coming down with it. Banchero offers solid value with a combination of numbers which makes me feel good about this. 

Jusuf Nurkic (+380)

This may not be the best value, but it is the correct play. Nurkic has been winning tips at a 62 percent rate. With Portland’s offense ranking in the top 10 in the league, I trust their ability to capitalize.

What makes me feel good about Nurkic is my lack of trust in Oklahoma City to score, even if they win the tip. While Nurkic is heavily favored, it makes sense. The Trailblazers go to their center about a quarter of the time they score the first basket. On a similar note, the Thunder allows the first basket to opposing centers over 30 percent of the time. While +380 may be the lowest odds I’ve bet on a first basket, I still feel solid for Nurkic.         

Jrue Holiday (+550)

Brook Lopez is an opening tip machine, winning at a 74 percent clip with Milwaukee converting 57 percent of the time. If you want to bet someone in this game, pick a Buck. My choice – Holiday. 

The Bucks score first baskets from the point guard position at a 29 percent clip, Holiday should be set as a go-to guy early. Going up against Valanciunas should give Lopez the win to start and the Bucks’ offense should capitalize on their chance to score first. 

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

 


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All opening tip and first basket data courtesy of NBA First Basket (@NBAFirstBasket)

Ryan Coleman is a featured writer at BettingPros. Follow him on Twitter @ryancoleman_98. For more from Ryan, check out his archive.

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