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Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/29)

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We’ve got a six-game slate for tonight’s NBA action. That’s more than we usually get on a Thursday. So let’s take advantage and bet on a few first-basket options.

It’s always fun betting on these quick hitters. Which wagers will you be tailing tonight?

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers

In the first meeting between these two teams, Evan Mobley cashed in on the first basket. The Cavaliers won the tip with Jarrett Allen and scored first.

That’s the likely scenario in this game. The Cavs have earned 57% of first baskets while winning 69% of tips and taking the first shot 63% of the time.

Meanwhile, the Pacers have only won the tip 31% of the time. Indiana has still added 46% of first baskets and has taken the first shot 40% of the time. But the Cavaliers will more than likely win the tip and shoot first.

That’s an advantage for the Cavs. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley have been consistent with first baskets and first shots. However, Donovan Mitchell has double the first baskets that Garland and Mobley have.

Take Mitchell to score first.

Bet: Donovan Mitchell (+350)

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors

The Memphis Grizzlies have taken the first shot 76% of the time this season. They’ve also won the tip 67% of the time while taking the first shot 58% of the time.

Memphis needs to protect the ball better to begin games. But they’ll likely hold onto the ball to start tonight’s game. The Raptors have only won the tip 56% of the time and have taken the first basket 65% of the time.

The Grizzlies have had multiple injuries this season, giving opportunities to other players. Dillon Brooks has taken eight first shots and has nailed five of them. But now that Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are back in the picture, his volume early will likely dip.

Ja Morant has four first shots with seven first baskets. He leads Memphis in first baskets. His volume might be lower early, but he still makes the most sense in this spot.

Bet: Ja Morant (+500)

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks and Rockets are playing their third game against one another.

The Mavericks won the tip in both games, yet, the Rockets scored the first basket in both. Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Sengun added the two first baskets against Dallas.

Neither team is truly effective when it comes to the tip. Houston has won the tip 35% of the time, while Dallas has won it 37% of the time.

But since the Mavericks got the ball first in both previous games, I’ll back the Mavericks to win the tip and score first. The best option is Luka Doncic, who has three first baskets on six first shots.

Bet: Luka Doncic (+470)

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