Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/22)
After a loaded slate yesterday in the NBA, we’re left with just two games today.
At least we’ve got something. I’m looking at the first basket market and found a couple of bets that I’m ready to fire on.
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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/22)
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Spurs and Pelicans have played each other twice this season. Jonas Valanciunas scored first in both games.
Interestingly, the Spurs won the tip in both games but didn’t score first. The Pelicans have scored 57% of first baskets, while the Spurs have only scored 47% of first baskets. Meanwhile, San Antonio has earned 53% of tips, while the Pelicans have only won 43% of tips.
The Spurs will likely get the first shot. They’ve taken the first shot 50% of the time while the Pelicans have only taken the first shot 43% of the time.
San Antonio just needs to be more consistent in scoring the basketball early.
If you like the Pelicans to get the job done, roll with Jonas Valanciunas. He’s currently got nine of the 17 first baskets for the Pelicans this season and he’ll go for the trifecta and his third first basket against the Spurs this season.
Meanwhile, if you’d rather take a chance on the Spurs, knowing they’ll most likely get the first shot up, back Devin Vassell. Without Keldon Johnson, who has nine first shots of the 15, Johnson is the clear favorite for the Spurs. He’s already taken three first shots and has six first baskets for the Spurs.
Bet: Jonas Valanciunas (+410)
Bet: Devin Vassell (+650)
Washington Wizards vs. Utah Jazz
This will be the second meeting between the Wizards and Jazz this season. In the first game, the Wizards won the tip with Kristaps Porzingis and Monte Morris scored the first basket.
Overall, Washington is electric at winning the tip. The Wizards have won the tip 75% of the time, while the Jazz have only won 29% of the time. Washington has also scored the first basket over 50% of the time, while the Jazz are still sitting under 30%.
There’s a very good chance that the Wizards will get the first shot up. They’ve taken the first shot 72% of the time, while the Jazz have shot first 32% of the time.
Kristaps Porzingis has taken the first shot nine times this season and has drained six of those shots.
Bet: Kristaps Porzingis (+400)
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