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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (3/5)

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First-Basket betting is the easiest way to kick off your night of betting. The goal is simple. Pick the first player to score and cash out.

Let us look at the best First Baskets for tonight, Tuesday, March 5. 

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Friday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)

Orlando Magic @ Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets won the first possession in the only game these two teams have played against each other this season. Even though they won the first possession, I like the Magic to score first. The Hornets have nothing to play for, and the Magic have the defense to stop the Hornets if they get the ball first. 

The Orlando Magic like to go to Paolo Banchero early and often. That is because he is one of their most consistent scorers. He also has a great matchup tonight against the Hornets. The Hornets don’t have a big man who can defend Banchero, giving him some betting value tonight.

Bet: Paolo Banchero (+450)

New Orleans Pelicans @ Toronto Raptors

There are two objectives to First-Basket betting. The initial is predicting who will win the first possession of the game. Jakob Poeltl is potentially out for this game, so I lean towards the New Orleans Pelicans scoring first in this matchup. They have more talent and a better defense. 

A couple of players can score first for the New Orleans Pelicans. Zion Williamson has one of the better matchups of the night, though. He is a big body that the Raptors will struggle to defend early on. Zion can consistently score inside the paint. Without Poeltl, +550 odds are worth backing. 

Bet: Zion Williamson (+550)

Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers

This is one of the best games of the night. Both teams are incredibly talented. Even though they have split the winning the first possession when playing against each other this season, the Cavaliers have better size and athleticism to win the tipoff over the Celtics.

The Cavaliers have one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. That means they will have an advantage down low. Evan Mobley has grown into a larger role this season and will be able to take advantage of that tonight.

Bet: Evan Mobley (+400)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday:

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Cameron Lynch is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Cameron, check out his archive and follow him @captron26.

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