NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (2/16)

by Jason Radowitz |
Feb 16, 2023

There are only three games on the NBA slate tonight. With the All-Star break approaching, we wonâ€™t get any more regular-season NBA action until next Thursday. Enjoy the meaningful games because you wonâ€™t have them earlier next week.

Here are a few first-basket options for tonightâ€™s three-game slate.

And letâ€™s take a look at our other best bets for Thursday:

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First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls

The Bucks and Bulls have already played twice this season. The Bucks and Bulls each exchanged tip wins and first baskets. The team that earned the tip scored the first basket in the first two games.

Ultimately, the Bucks are much more efficient at winning the tip. Milwaukee has earned 67% of tips, while the Bulls have only won the tip 28% of the time.

The player with the most first shots on the Bucks isnâ€™t Giannis Antetokounmpo or even Jrue Holiday. Itâ€™s Brook Lopez, who has 10 first shots and eight first baskets.

Iâ€™d feel comfortable with any of the three to score the first basket. But the best odds belong to Brook Lopez.

Bet: Brook Lopez (+650)

Washington Wizards vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

In a game in November, the Wizards won the tip with Kristaps Porzingis over Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Thatâ€™s likely to happen again tonight.

Washington has won the tip 68% of the time. The Wizards have also attempted the first shot in 65% of games and have scored the first basket in 61% of games.

Meanwhile, Minnesota has scored more first baskets. But the Timberwolves havenâ€™t won the tip as many times.

Porzingis has attempted 13 first shots and has 11 first baskets made. He, Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma are the three players you can trust in this spot. But Porzingis has a bit more volume, which is why Iâ€™ll go with him.

Bet: Kristaps Porzingis (+420)

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns

In two games this season, the Clippers and Suns have each won a tip and scored the first basket in two games.

The Suns have been better at winning the tip overall this season, though. Phoenix has won the tip 64% of the time, while the Clippers have won the tip under 50% of the time.

Deandre Ayton has the highest probability, according to sportsbooks, with a +350 price tag. But Devin Booker, who has missed many games this year, has just two fewer first baskets made than Ayton this season.

Back Booker to score the first basket tonight. Heâ€™s already scored a first basket against the Clippers earlier this year.

Bet: Devin Booker (+400)

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