NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/22)
We’ve finally got a huge slate in the NBA. It’s just what the doctor ordered! I’ve added a few first-basket bets that I’ll be firing on tonight. Which ones will you be taking?
Also, take a look at our other best bets for Wednesday:
- NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA Player Prop Bet Rankings Picks & Predictions
- NBA Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NHL Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
- March Madness Sweet 16 Betting Guide
- 2023 WGC-Dell Matchplay Best Bets
Wednesday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards
The Nuggets are good at a lot of things. Winning the tip and scoring first basket isn’t one of them. They have only won the tip in 44 percent of games this year, adding just 51 percent of first baskets. Meanwhile, the Wizards have won the tip 66 percent of the time and have scored the first basket in 59 percent of games.
Washington and Denver already played one game earlier this season. The Wizards won the tip and scored first.
It was Kyle Kuzma in that game, but he will likely miss tonight’s game. Therefore, Kristaps Porzingis is our best bet to score first. He’s added 15 first shots and 12 first baskets this season, leading the team in both categories.
Bet: Kristaps Porzingis (+380)
Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors
The Pacers rarely win the tip. Therefore, the Raptors have a much higher probability of earning the ball and scoring first. The Raptors have only won the tip in 46 percent of games but have scored the first basket in 56 percent. Not only are they better at winning the tip, but they’ve also played solid defense to start games.
The Raptors and Pacers have traded tip-off wins in previous matchups, but the Pacers have scored both first baskets. That’s highly unlikely to continue in tonight’s matchup.
More times than not, Pascal Siakam is the early recipient. He’s added ten first shots and 13 first baskets for the Raptors this year.
Bet: Pascal Siakam (+350)
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
I love picking on the Mavericks. Dallas has won only 32 percent of tips and scored the first basket in only 38 percent of games this season. On the other hand, the Warriors have scored 58 percent of the first baskets and have won the tip in 47 percent of games.
The Warriors won the tip in both previous matchups this season. The Mavericks scored first in one of those two games, but there’s a much higher probability that the Warriors will score if they get the ball first.
Klay Thompson has scored the first basket in 12 games this season and has attempted the first shot in ten games. He leads the team in both categories and will likely be the first one attempting a shot in tonight’s game against the Mavs.
Bet: Klay Thompson (+440)
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