NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (11/7)
Betting on a first basket is always exciting to wager. There are a lot of variabilities when it comes to who scores first, but looking at trends and stats, there are a lot of options when it comes to betting the first basket. Let’s get right to it.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+500)
It may be pretty straightforward as the favorite to score the first basket, but Gilgeous-Alexander is the correct option.
At 32.6 percent, his usage is at the second-highest rate in the country. The Thunder go as Shai goes, and early on, I expect them to go to Gilgeous-Alexander. His 30.5 points per game give me confidence in his ability to score if they go to him.
Cade Cunningham has the same odds as him to tally the first basket, so it will come down to the tip-off. When it comes down to it, I expect Mike Muscala to take it down.
Devin Booker (+550)
While the Suns take on the 76ers, giving them a difficult tip-off contention. But Phoenix boasts the fifth-best defense in the country, so even if Philly earns the opening tip-off, there is still a solid chance the Suns’ defense can step up.
Booker at +550 is great value considering his high usage and scoring ability. He’s scoring 27 points per game and his 31% usage rate gives me confidence in him being the go-to for the Suns when they need to get their first basket.
Jimmy Butler (+700)
Despite being the longest odds among the three options, I like Butler’s value. Bam Adebayo is a solid tip-off winner, and Miami has a lot of options for scoring.
While Tyler Herro is another choice I like, Butler is a better option, in my opinion. He’s overperforming, averaging 21.7 points per game, and I’ll be riding the hot hand until he cools off.
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Ryan Coleman is a featured writer at BettingPros. Follow him on Twitter @ryancoleman_98. For more from Ryan, check out his archive.