Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (1/5)
There are only four games on tonight’s NBA slate. However, two of those games will be featured on TNT’s doubleheader. Every spread is six points or fewer. Therefore, we should get quality action with the four games on the slate.
Either way, I’ll be looking to bet on the first basket market tonight. Which players will score first? My thoughts are below.
- NBA Player Prop Bet Rankings, Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (1/5)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic
Anytime the Memphis Grizzlies play, there’s a good chance we’ll take a shot on one of their players to score first. Memphis has won the tip 68% of the time and has scored the first basket 70% of the time this season.
Meanwhile, the Magic have won the tip 58% of the time and have made 53% of first baskets despite taking the first shot 55% of the time.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams. The Grizzlies will likely win the tip and shoot first. I went with Dillon Brooks last night. He took the first shot for the Grizzlies but missed a three-point shot. I still think there’s value in Brooks, who has eight first shots this season and five first baskets.
Bet: Dillon Brooks (+550)
Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Celtics and Mavericks played earlier this season. Luka Doncic scored first in that game. However, Dallas is usually pretty poor at earning the tip and scoring first.
The Mavericks have won the tip 39% of the time this year and have scored the first basket 37% of the time. Meanwhile, the Celtics have won the tip 45% of the time with 47% of first baskets.
If you like the Mavericks to get the ball first, take Doncic. But I don’t. I like Boston’s chances. Jayson Tatum has taken seven first shots and has eight first baskets for the Celtics this season. Other stars, like Jaylen Brown, have a ton of first shots but only a couple of makes.
Tatum is the most consistent Celtic in this market.
Bet: Jayson Tatum (+500)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
On November 25, Marcus Morris scored the first bucket after the Clippers won the tip. Both teams have been very average at earning the tip and first basket.
The Clippers have won the tip 44% of the time, while Denver has won the tip 43% of the time.
Both teams have also scored the first basket 51% of the time, but Denver has taken the first shot 54% of the time, while the Clippers have taken the first shot 51% of the time.
The Nuggets have been consistently shooting the first basket more. But Ivica Zubac beat Nikola Jokic for the tip in the first game, and I’d like to assume that will happen again.
With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George likely playing in this game, Marcus Morris isn’t a great option anymore. Instead, Paul George would be the guy. George has six first baskets on the season, just one fewer than Morris.
Bet: Paul George (+650)
Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our How To Bet and Sports Betting Strategy and Advice pages are for you. You can get started with our How To Section — including How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Sports Betting Mistakes — or head to a more advanced strategy — like Thinking Like an Expert Sports Bettor — to learn more.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts