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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (12/30)

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Yesterday, we had Jalen Brunson of the Knicks at +700 to score the first basket. He missed the first shot of the game and even scored the first two points of the game for the Knicks on the same possession. However, those two points came at the charity stripe.

Eventually, the Magic scored the first basket, and we lost the wager. That was heartbreaking. But we’ve got to forget about it and look forward to tonight’s slate of games.

Here are some options to consider for tonight’s NBA first basket market.

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    Saturday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz

    The Utah Jazz have only scored the first basket in 28% of games this season. Utah has added the tip in 34% of games, which is about one in every three games this year.

    The Jazz have even attempted the game’s first field goal attempt in 34% of games and have needed 1.8 field goal attempts to score their first basket.

    On the other hand, the Jazz will face a Miami Heat squad that has won the tip in more than half of their games, at 55%. Miami has also nailed the first field goal in 52% of games and has attempted the game’s first field goal attempt in 58% of matchups.

    Miami has the edge to at least get the ball first and take the first shot.

    The Heat have been dealing with a lot of injuries and illnesses. But for now, the lineup should include Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kyle Lowry.

    In Miami, Adebayo’s been showing up early in games this season. He’s added eight first field goals and has taken the team’s first field goal attempt in 57% of games this season. He’s also hit the team’s first field goal in 38% of games and has eight first field goals in 21 games.

    Take Adebayo here.

    Bet: Jalen Brunson (+390)

    Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

    The Lakers have been winning the tip in over 50% of games this season. Los Angeles has added the first field goal in 52% of games, has attempted the first field goal in 52% of games, and has won the tip in 52% of games.

    Meanwhile, Minnesota can’t say the same.

    The Timberwolves are more inconsistent. They’ve won the tip in 45% of games and have only hit the first field goal in 41% of matchups. Minnesota has also attempted the game’s first field goal in 38% of matchups, which isn’t very good.

    The Lakers will likely win the tip and gain possession first.

    At this time, they’ll likely send out a lineup between Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell are coming off the bench now.

    That said, of the five Lakers players, Anthony Davis and Cam Reddish are tied with 17% of the team’s first field goal. Anthony Davis has just attempted the team’s first field goal in 28% of games, while Reddish has attempted the first field goal in 6%. Reddish has earned the first field goal on a second look to begin the game. Davis typically gets that first look.

    Take Davis to score first at +410.

    Bet: Anthony Davis (+410)

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

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