NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (1/2)
Happy New Year! Let's start the new year out 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.
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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (1/2)
With Julias Randle taking the tip, the Knicks have had a tip-winning percentage of 74 percent, converting over 50 percent of the first tips. While Phoenix has a high tip win rate, their conversion isn't as successful, lower than 50 percent.
I'll take New York's defense over the Suns’ as well, giving me more trust in the Knicks to convert, even if they don't convert. Phoenix allows 22 percent of opponents' shooting guards to tally the first bucket, so Quickley is my go-to. His odds at +850 are tantalizing too.
This may not be the most backed bet, but the Lakers have allowed center's the score the first basket at a 34 percent clip, one of the highest for any position. It doesn't necessarily feel right to type in the Hornets' center, but I'm happy to take those odds.
Charlotte converts their first bucket opportunities at a near 50/50 rate, with their offense not near the top of the league. While their offensive numbers don't exactly pop out, they do have the center position successfully convert nearly a quarter of the time, which is impressive considering their other offensive numbers.
I was between Trae Young and Murray, but with the better odds, Murray is a clear choice. Atlanta and Co. have had a first-tip win rate of 67 percent, converting over 55 percent of first-basket opportunities.
The Hawks have had their guard score first over half of the time. While Golden State has the better reputation for offense, with Steph out, I'm leaning toward Murray and simply trusting Atlanta to score first tonight.
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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.