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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/21)

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The NBA action is filled with intriguing matchups and exciting games!

There are eight games on the slate tonight, meaning we’ll see eight first baskets scored. We’d love to hit at least one first-basket long shot tonight!

Therefore, I’ve added a couple of first-basket bets that make the most sense and have the most value on the board.

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    Thursday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks

    The Orlando Magic have done some really good things this season. However, winning the tip isn’t one of them. The Magic have earned only 32% tip wins this season and have scored the first field goal in only 44% of games.

    Orlando has also attempted the first field goal in only 40% of matchups and has needed two field goal attempts to score the game’s first field goal this season.

    Meanwhile, the Bucks have won the tip in 58% of games. They’ve also nailed the first field goal in 46% of matchups despite taking the game’s first field goal attempt in 62% of games.

    The Bucks aren’t consistently scoring first, either. But they’ll have a higher probability of scoring first by winning the tip.

    While Giannis Antetokounmpo has the team’s first field goal in 44% of games, Brook Lopez has attempted the team’s first field goal in 42% of games. He’s been the most inconsistent player on the roster regarding scoring first. But he’s not afraid to shoot it first.

    Let’s take a chance on Lopez at +650. He’s only scored one and made the first basket this season. He’s due for another one. His shot will start to fall early on!

    Bet: Brook Lopez (+650)

    Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers

    The Washington Wizards have earned the tip in just 31% of games this season. That’s lower than winning the tip once every three games.

    Washington has hit the first field goal in only 42% of games this season and has attempted the game’s first field goal in 42% of games. It’s taken the Wizards two field goal attempts to get on the board per game this season.

    Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have added the tip in 56% of games. They’ve also hit the first field goal in 48% of matchups and have attempted the first field goal in 48% of games.

    Unlike Washington, the Blazers have needed only 1.4 shots to score their first field goal.

    Portland has had a lot of different rotations due to injuries. The Blazers are expected to start Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Anfernee Simons, and Toumani Camara tonight.

    Of those five, Ayton has been the most consistent. He’s added the team’s first field goal attempt in 33% of games and has the team’s first field goal in 43% of games.

    He’s hit nine first-field goals this season and has seven in his last ten games.

    Bet: Deandre Ayton (+400)

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

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