NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (1/11)
There are just five games on the NBA slate tonight. However, one of the five includes a Paris game between the Nets and Cavaliers.
That game will start at 2:00 pm ET on NBA TV. I won’t bet on that game, but I figured I’d remind some of you about the exciting matchup in Paris.
That said, there are four other games we can take a look at for our first basket bets. And check out our NBA first basket cheat sheet for even more betting advice.
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Thursday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have scored the first basket in 61% of games this season. They’ve also attempted the first field goal in 55% of games. However, Dallas has only won the tip in 42% of matchups.
They’re great at getting stops early, but that might not happen against the Knicks.
The Knicks have earned the tip in 56% of games and have also hit the first field goal in 61% of matchups. The Knicks have even attempted the game’s first field goal attempt in 61% of games.
While Dallas is very good at scoring in its first possession, the Knicks figure to get the ball first. That would give the Knicks a higher probability of scoring first in tonight’s game against Dallas.
New York will start with Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo, and Isaiah Hartenstein. In this lineup, it’s typically Jalen Brunson doing the early work.
Brunson has added 11 first field goals in 36 games started. He’s also added the team’s first field goal attempt in 47% of games and has hit the team’s first field goal in 31% of matchups. Brunson looks even better on paper with RJ Barrett out of the picture.
Back Brunson to score first at +480.
Bet: Jalen Brunson (+480)
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Phoenix Suns haven’t been the best shooting team to start games. However, the Suns usually start the game off with the ball. Phoenix has earned the tip in 69% of games this season and has attempted the game’s first field goal in 67% of matchups.
The Suns only have the first field goal in 47% of games despite taking the game’s first field goal attempt in 67% of games.
Meanwhile, the Lakers aren’t that much better. The Lakers have won the tup in 54% of games and have only scored the first field goal in 51% of matchups. Los Angeles has also added the game’s first field goal attempt in 57% of games, proving that they’re not very efficient either to start games.
The Suns figure to get the ball first and take the game’s first field goal attempt. They’ve got a higher probability.
In tonight’s game, the Suns will start Jusuf Nurkic, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Grayson Allen. Of those five, Jusuf Nurkic has added the team’s first field goal attempt in one of every three games. He’s also scored the team’s first field goal in almost 30% of games.
In 34 games started, Nurkic has added ten first field goals. That’s big. Take Nurkic at +500.
Bet: Jusuf Nurkic (+500)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:
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- NFL Wild Card Moneyline Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions (2024)
- NBA Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
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