NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (3/17)
The unofficial second half is upon us in the NBA, as we’re reaching the home stretch. We have a small slate but some great First Basket props to look for this Sunday, March 17.
Sunday’s NBA First Basket Scorer Best Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards
The Celtics can cruise into the playoffs, holding a large lead for the top seed. They will be a tough team to beat as they are No. 1 in adjusted offensive rating and second in adjusted defensive rating. They also know how to set the tone with the third-best first-basket percentage. They will face the Wizards, who have the worst record in the league and allow a 52% first-basket rate. Jaylen Brown already has a first basket against the Wizards and leads the team with first baskets and the team’s first shot percentage.
Pick: Jaylen Brown (+500)
Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Suns have been a little inconsistent, going 6-6 in their last 12, and with them tied with the Kings for the last guaranteed playoff spot, every game is important. They get the tough task of playing in Milwaukee and are trying to keep their second seed in the Eastern Conference. The Suns don’t hold the season’s first-basket advantage, but they have been hot lately, hitting five of their last seven. Durant has been the best, grabbing three of those.
Picks: Kevin Durant (+550)
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are already eliminated from the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to play spoiler in the last few weeks of the season. They lost all three matchups to the Heat this year, but one thing they have won is getting the first points, as they’ve done so in two of those games. Cade Cunningham leads Detroit in first baskets, and Miami has allowed the most first baskets to guards.
Pick: Cade Cunningham (+650)