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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/1)

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If you’re looking for a quick little bet in the NBA that finishes within a minute or two from the game starting, you’ve come to the right place. Using data and analytics to find some value, we’ll look at some first-basket scorers tonight. We need one player to score the first basket, and we’ll profit.

With nine games on tonight’s slate, nine players will have the first basket. Can we find at least one of them?

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Wednesday:

View 5-star bets and historical prop performance by players with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>

Wednesday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Phoenix Suns vs. Charlotte Hornets

The Suns have won the tip 65 percent of the time this season. On the other hand, the Hornets have won the tip just 37 percent of the time. Earlier this year, the Hornets won the tip and scored the first basket against the Suns. However, Phoenix has been more consistent at winning the tip and taking the first shot. The Suns have attempted the first shot 61 percent of the time and have scored the first basket 52 percent of the time.

Kevin Durant is expected to debut with the Suns tonight. You’d have to imagine that Phoenix will give Durant the ball on the first possession and let him get comfortable. It’ll be tense until he can score, so they’ll hopefully get that out of the way early.

Bet: Kevin Durant (+450) 

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets

The Grizzlies already earned a tip-off against the Rockets back on October 21. The Rockets still scored first. It was Eric Gordon who scored and Steven Adams who won the tip. We won’t be seeing either of those players on the court tonight.

Memphis has won 65 percent of tips and scored 65 percent of first baskets. Compare that to the Rockets who have won 33 percent of tips and attempted just 36 percent of the first shots. It’s fair to assume that the Grizzlies will score first.

Dillon Brooks has attempted 11 first shots but has only made six first baskets. At +700, it’s likely that he’ll get the first look. Hopefully, he’s able to drain it.

Bet: Dillon Brooks (+700)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder are terrible at winning the tip this year. They have earned just 25 percent of tips and attempted the first shot in 34 percent of their games. Meanwhile, the Lakers have won the tip in 66 percent of games. They have scored the first basket 53 percent of the time while taking the first shot in 61 percent of games.

The new-look Lakers have a totally different lineup than earlier this year. Still, Anthony Davis has already taken eight first shots and made eight first baskets this season. He’s the guy who will need to step up in LeBron James’ absence.

Bet: Anthony Davis (+340)

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