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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (11/8)

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With 14 games on the NBA slate tonight, there will be plenty of opportunities to hit a first-basket longshot prop.

After surfing through all of the games, I’ve finally found my top first-basket props for the slate.

Let us know if you’re tailing!

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Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

I’ll ride the wagon.

The Boston Celtics are the only team in the NBA that has won the tip 100% of the time.

They’re also the only team in the NBA that has made the first field goal in every game while taking the first field goal attempt in every game.

Meanwhile, the 76ers have won the tip in only 17% of games. Unlike the Celtics, Philadelphia has added the first field goal in 17% of games and has also taken the first attempt in just 17% of games.

Kristaps Porzingis has the edge against pretty much any team in the NBA.

Although it’s only been five games, Kristaps Porzingis has attempted the first shot in 60% of Boston’s games. Jrue Holiday has taken the first shot in 40% of games. Therefore, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Al Horford each haven’t scored one yet.

Tatum isn’t surprising. He only took 11 first shots and made nine first baskets last year. However, Jaylen Brown led the team with 13 first shots, and 22 made first baskets. Brown’s typically aggressive early in games.

This is a good matchup for him.

Bet: Jaylen Brown (+600) 

Utah Jazz vs. Indiana Pacers

The Utah Jazz have Walker Kessler listed as a game-time decision. It sounds like he’ll play, which is big news because he’s the tip man for the Jazz.

Utah has won 88% of tips to begin the season. They’ve also scored the first field goal in 50% of games while taking the game’s first field goal attempt in 75% of games.

Meanwhile, they’ll take on the Pacers, who have won the tip 71% of the time with Myles Turner. However, the Pacers have only scored the first field goal in 43% of games while taking the first field goal attempt in 43% of games.

Indiana hasn’t scored the first basket on multiple first possessions despite having the ball first. That’s not a great look.

With Kessler in, the Jazz gave Lauri Markkanen 63% of the first shot attempts this season. While Markakanen has only made one of those shots, I’d still feel comfortable knowing that he will likely take the first shot for the Jazz if they have the possession first or get the first shot up.

Let’s take a chance on Markkanen.

Bet: Lauri Markkanen (+500)

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

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