NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/28)
About half of the league is playing in a game tonight.
With eight games on the slate, there will be eight first-basket scorers. I’ve searched through all the games and found my favorite first basket options for the night.
Tail along after reading some analysis below!
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Thursday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Utah Jazz put themselves in a hole to start almost every game. The Jazz have only won the tip in 35% of games and scored the first field goal in 29% of matchups.
Essentially, the Jazz only score first in a little more than one out of four games.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t elite to begin games either. However, the Pelicans have at least added a 55% tip win and have scored the first basket in 42% of games.
It’s more likely that the Pelicans will win the tip and take the game’s first shot. That ultimately gives the Pelicans a higher probability of scoring first.
Brandon Ingram has led the team with seven first field goals. Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas have added six first field goals, while Herbert Jones has five. Zion Williamson is also in the mix with four.
However, Ingam has taken the team’s first field goal attempt in 32% of games this season. He’s not as efficient as McCollum, but it’s more likely that Ingram takes that first shot.
Let’s roll with Ingram tonight.
Bet: Brandon Ingram (+440)
Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are another team that is weak to begin ball games. The Bulls have only won the tip in 38% of games and have added the first field goal in only 41% of games. It’s taken the Bulls 2.6 field goal attempts to score their first bucket this season. That’s a brutal rate.
On the other hand, the Pacers have needed just 1.6 shot attempts to score their first field goal. They’ve also won the tip in 57% of games and have added the first field goal in 50% of matchups.
It’s much more likely that the Pacers get the ball first and are more efficient shooting the ball to begin the game.
Through 27 games, Myles Turner has taken the team’s first field goal attempt in 41% of games. Turner has also drained the team’s first field goal in 37% of matchups. He’s got ten first field goals this season.
At +750, Turner is the play.
Bet: Myles Turner (+750)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:
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- Thor Nystrom's Best College Football Bowl Game Bets
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks, & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
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