Navigate

NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (1/22)

by |

We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for quick NBA action.

There’s no quicker bet than wagering on the first basket scored in an NBA game. You can turn the TV on and off in less than a minute and know if you’ve won a wager.

Here are some exciting options for tonight’s NBA slate in the first-basket market.

Check out our other best bets for Sunday:

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Today’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Player Prop Bets

Let us know which first basket wager you’re most confident in.

Season record: 0-0

All Wagers Are 1 Unit
All odds are courtesy of FanDuel as of Sunday morning.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

The Oklahoma City Thunder have only won the tip in 11 of 46 games this year. That’s lower than 25% this season. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have won the tip 46% of the time and have scored the first basket 54% of the time.

Denver’s one of the best offenses in the NBA and has even earned more first shots than tips won, thanks to its defense.

The Nuggets spread out the scoring to begin games. Nikola Jokic has added ten first baskets with seven first shots attempted. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray has seven first shots attempted but only three first baskets made. Aaron Gordon has five first baskets, and Michael Porter Jr. has seven.

The love is spread around, but the best option will be Jokic, who has scored the first basket in 10 of the 25 made first baskets for Denver.

Bet: Nikola Jokic (+400)

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns

Memphis has scored the first basket in three consecutive games against the Suns this year. Ja Morant scored the first basket on December 23, but Desmond Bane added the first basket on December 27 and January 16.

The Suns still won the tip in one of those three games, but Steven Adams is a pro at the tip, earning 67% of tips this season. The Grizzlies have scored the first basket in 71% of games this year.

The Suns are also very good at earning the tip. However, like December 27, the Suns have won a lot of tips but still don’t consistently score the first basket.

While Ja Morant has the most first baskets scored on the Grizzlies. he doesn’t have the most first shots attempted. That’s Dillon Brooks, who has nine first shots attempted and six first baskets made. If the Grizzlies control the tip, Brooks is an exciting target at +950.

Bet: Dillon Brooks (+950)

Brooklyn Nets vs. Golden State Warriors

The Nets rarely win the tip. Brooklyn has earned just 17 of 45 tips this season. Meanwhile, the Warriors are around 50%, earning 22 of 46 tips this season.

Brooklyn has still scored the first basket 62% of the time. But the Warriors are at least consistent, adding 65% of first baskets. There’s a good chance that the Warriors start with the ball. Golden State is usually very good at finding the basket first when they get the ball.

Klay Thompson should be considered. He’s added the first basket in nine games this season and has attempted the first shot in five games this year. Steph Curry had been injured for a while, but he has just two first baskets made this season.

Back Thompson.

Bet: Klay Thompson (+650) 

Whether you're new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section - including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners - or head to more advanced strategies - like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread - to learn more.

Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts

Try Premium for FREE in our mobile app

BettingPros App