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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (11/25)

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Saturday is just a small six-game NBA slate, but there is still plenty of action. First Basket betting is a great opportunity to get a quick win.

Here are a few of my favorite spots to get the Saturday NBA slate off to a positive start.

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    Saturday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Philadelphia 76ers @ Oklahoma City Thunder

    Today gives us a great matchup between two of the strongest teams in the league. Oklahoma City’s young roster has come out of the gates hot but will have a tough matchup with this experienced Philadelphia team.

    One matchup in particular that they may struggle with is Joel Embiid against Chet Holmgren. Holmgren may have some trouble against the decidedly stronger reigning MVP. Because of this, I’m targeting Embiid for First Basket.

    Although Embiid cashed this prop more than any player last year, he hasn’t had the same success this season. He’s still scoring a ton, leading the 76ers, but just not scoring the First Basket.

    OKC is a great matchup because they allow over 25% of their opponent’s first scores to centers. The individual matchup for Embiid makes me think Philadelphia could look to go to him early to establish the mismatch and get Holmgren in foul trouble. It’s time for Embiid to start heating up again on First Baskets.

    Pick: Joel Embiid (+410)

    Miami Heat @ Brooklyn Nets

    Dating back to last year, Miami has allowed their opponent to score first in nearly 60% of their games. Brooklyn sits closer to 50/50, and with a strong jump ball winner in Nic Claxton, I’m targeting a Brooklyn player in this spot.

    Looking at the Heat tendencies, the center spot sticks out. Over 25% of the opponent’s first baskets have been scored by the big man down low. All of this again points to Claxton.

    Brooklyn likes going to their center early, as Claxton leads all scorers in first-team field goals dating back to last year, albeit he’s also played the most games for Brooklyn. Still, I think the numbers on both sides support a play here for First Basket.

    Pick: Nic Claxton (+750)

    New Orleans Pelicans @ Utah Jazz

    For the second night in a row, the Pelicans have an excellent matchup for First Baskets. Utah is the worst team in the league for scoring first, while New Orleans is right up there as one of the best. I have no choice but to target New Orleans here again.

    One matchup that really sticks out when it comes to First Baskets is New Orleans’ bigs against Utah’s bigs. Dating back to last season, the Jazz have allowed just under half of their opponent’s first scores to bigs. I took Valanciunas yesterday, but I like Zion Williamson for this matchup. The Duke product has been excellent this season, scoring over 22 points per game. Against this undermanned front court of Utah, he should be able to feast.

    Of course, Williamson playing a back-to-back is always iffy, so if he’s not in the lineup, I’m more than happy to ride with Valaciunas again. Either play is excellent.

    Pick: Zion Williamson or Jonas Valanciunas (Lines TBD)

    Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday:

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