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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (1/19)

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There are only five games on the NBA slate. One of those games will be played earlier in the afternoon.

But although there’s not a ton of action, there’s enough action to get some wagers in.

Here are our other best bets for Thursday:

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Today’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Player Prop Bets

Here are a few first-basket bets to consider for tonight’s NBA slate.

Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics

Although the Golden State Warriors don’t look nearly as good as they did last year, we were still getting a rematch game between the two best teams in the NBA last year.

Boston won the tip in the first game between these two teams, but Golden State scored the first basket.

The Warriors have only won 50% of the tip this season. But they’ve scored 66% of first baskets this year. Meanwhile, the Celtics have only earned 47% of first baskets while winning the tip 47% of the time.

The Warriors play solid defense even if they don’t win the tip to begin the game. Klay Thompson scored the first time and has 10 first baskets of the 29 made this season for the Warriors.

Let’s take a shot with Klay this time around too.

Bet: Klay Thompson (+600)

Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

This will be the first game between the Raptors and Timberwolves this season. Minnesota has been incredible at winning the tip, earning 31-of-46 tips this season. That’s 67% of the time. Minnesota also takes 65% of the first shot and scores 61% of the first baskets.

Toronto has won the tip 53% of the time and has taken the first shot 53% of the time too. Therefore, the Timberwolves have a much higher probability of scoring first.

The Timberwolves will likely be without Rudy Gobert, leaving Anthony Edwards as the guy. He’s added seven first baskets this season.

Bet: Anthony Edwards (+600) 

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have won the tip 61% of the time and have taken the first shot in 66% of games this season. However, Portland has only made the first basket 48% of the time.

They’re not getting the best of looks when taking the first shot. The 76ers are. Philadelphia has scored the first basket in 64% of games despite only winning the tip in 43% of games.

These two teams haven’t played each other yet. But even if the Blazers win the tip, I still like the 76ers to score the first basket.

Joel Embiid has seven first shots but 12 first baskets. The 76ers have 28 first baskets this season, and Embiid has 12. Go with Embiid in this game.

Bet: Joel Embiid (+330)

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