NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (2/23)

by Jason Radowitz |
Feb 23, 2023

After a week-long hiatus, weâ€™re back with regular-season basketball.

The NBA was on its All-Star break throughout the week. The All-Star Weekend itself didnâ€™t do well with ratings so the NBA is likely excited to get back to their regularly scheduled programming.

I am, too.

Here are a few first-basket bets for tonightâ€™s NBA slate.

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Thursday:

View 5-star bets and historical prop performance by players with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>

Thursdayâ€™s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers

The Boston Celtics have won the tip 51% of the time this season. But still, the Celtics have attempted the first shot in 58% of games, proving how valuable its defense has been early in games.

On the other hand, the Pacers have won the tip in just 33% of games while scoring the first basket in only 42% of games.

Boston has the edge, even at home.

Jaylen Brown has attempted 12 first shots to Jayson Tatumâ€™s eight. However, Tatum has nine first baskets, while Brown only has five first baskets made this season.

Look for Tatum to take his All-Star momentum and score an early bucket for the Celtics.

Bet: Jayson Tatum (+400)

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have already won the tip against the Detroit Pistons in two games this season. The Magic scored the first basket in both games, with buckets from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Throughout the season, the Magic have won the tip 58% of the time, compared to the Pistons, who have only won the tip 36% of the time.

The Magic certainly have the edge to score first, going up against Isaiah Stewart of the Pistons in the tip-off.

Banchero has attempted nine first shots and has made eight first baskets this season. Heâ€™s the most consistent first-basket scorer on the team and already had a first basket against the Pistons earlier this year.

Bet: Paolo Banchero (+700)

Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Utah has scored just 28% of first baskets despite earning 45% of tips this season. Meanwhile, the Thunder are the complete opposite. Oklahoma City has won just 23% of the tip but has scored the first basket 42% of the time.

Although the Jazz might win the tip, the Thunder still have more probability of scoring first.

Jalen Williams has been one of the more underrated scorers for the Thunder. Heâ€™s taken eight first shots and also has eight first baskets. Both numbers are higher than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, for example.

Back Jalen Williams to score first. And donâ€™t make the mistake of taking Jaylin Williams. Make sure itâ€™s Jalen Williams.

Bet: Jalen Williams (+800)

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