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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/24)

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We’ve got some interesting spots that I’m looking forward to attacking with tonight’s eight-game slate in the first-basket market.

Make sure to check out our NBA first basket cheat sheet for even more betting advice.

Plus, be sure to join our BettingPros Discord to discuss the best first-basket bets for each and every slate of NBA games with our community of sports bettors!

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    Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets

    The Portland Trail Blazers have only won the tip in 44% of games this season. They’ve also hit the first field goal in 41% of games and have attempted the first field goal in 44% of matchups this season.

    Meanwhile, the Rockets have been a bit better and have a higher probability of earning the tip first. Houston has won the tip in 48% of games. They’ve also scored the first field goal in 45% of matchups and have added the game’s first field goal attempt in 50% of games.

    The Rockets have the Blazers beat in all categories.

    Houston will likely start Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Dillon Brooks. Of those players, Sengun has been the most consistent. He’s added 15 first baskets, while the next best is Fred VanVleet, with only seven made first baskets.

    Sengun has attempted a team-high 31% of the first field goals and has nailed the team’s first field goal in 36% of games. Let’s ride with Sengun here.

    Bet: Alperen Sengun (+410)

    Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks

    The Phoenix Suns have won the tip in nearly 75% of games this season. However, they’ve only hit the first field goal in 45% of games despite attempting the first field goal in 71% of games.

    They’ll take on the Dallas Mavericks, who aren’t good at winning the tip. Dallas has only won the tip in 47% of games but has nailed the first field goal in 63% of games this season. The Mavericks are efficient at scoring on their first possession, ultimately needing just 1.5 shots to make the first field goal attempt.

    I will trust Dallas to get a stop on defense in their first possession. Regarding the first basket, there are three options for the Mavericks.

    Kyrie Irving has seven first-field goals in 27 games. Dereck Lively II has nailed eight first-field goals in 31 games, and Luka Doncic has added nine first-field goals in 36 games. All three of those guys have scored at least 25% of the team’s first field goal.

    Doncic is a bit inconsistent from the field, and Lively has attempted the first field goal more than Irving in terms of percentage. However, Lively II isn’t expected to start. Therefore, Irving is the best option at +750.

    Bet: Kyrie Irving (+750)

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

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