NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (4/4)
We’ve added our favorite two spots below with only five opportunities to win a first basket tonight.
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Thursday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Dallas Mavericks
Clint Capela has only won the tip in 46% of games for the Hawks this season. However, he’ll take on Daniel Gafford of the Mavericks, who has won just 33% of tips this season.
Although the Mavericks have scored first 59% of the time, Capela and the Hawks figure to get the first chance to score first. After all, Capela has earned the tip in two of three games against Gafford.
Dallas might rank third in the NBA in first baskets allowed. They’ve only given up 41%, but if the Hawks are efficient on their first drive, they’ll be the ones to score first tonight.
Dallas has allowed 29% of first baskets to power forwards and 29% to centers. We’ll be attacking those two positions against Dallas tonight.
In the Hawks lineup, they typically go with three guards, a forward, and one center. Therefore, De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela would be our targets.
Hunter has taken the team’s first field goal attempt this season in 34% of games. He hasn’t been super efficient, but he still has three first baskets in 32 starts. He’s got a good chance to earn another one tonight. At +700 odds, it’s worth a look!
Bet: De’Andre Hunter (+700)
Denver Nuggets @ Los Angeles Clippers
Nikola Jokic is 1-1 against Ivica Zubac in tips this season. However, all signs point to Jokic winning tonight’s tip and taking a 2-1 lead over Zubac with the opening tip this season.
Jokic has earned the tip in 61% of games this season. On the other hand, Zubac has only won the tip in 29% of games this year. That’s why the Clippers have only scored first 39% of the time, while the Nuggets have scored first 54% of the time.
The Clippers have allowed 61% of first baskets this season. 30% of those have come to centers, while 22% have gone to shooting guards.
Therefore, Jokic makes the most sense here. He’s already made 17 first baskets this season and has made the team’s first basket in 40% of games this season. He’s also had the team’s first field goal attempt in 40% of games this year as well.
Grab Jokic at +420.
Bet: Nikola Jokic (+420)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday: