Navigate

NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/6)

by |

I’m eying a couple of first-basket bets for tonight’s eight-game slate! Find out who I’m backing below and read up on the analysis!

Also, 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!

    Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>

    Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks

    Tonight’s tip-off matchup will be between Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks. We’ve got plenty of data on both of these centers regarding the tip.

    This season, in 56 tip-offs, Allen has won 75% of the matchups. The Cavaliers have also scored first in 59% of games where Allen has been the tip-man.

    On the other hand, Capela has only won the tip in 47% of the 53 games he’s been the tip-man. The Hawks have scored first 52% of the time when Capela starts.

    This season, Allen and Capela have each won a tip against one another. But ultimately, Allen has a clear advantage in this one.

    Last year, Allen beat Capela twice with the tip, so he’s ultimately 3-1 against Capela in the previous two seasons at winning the tip.

    The Hawks have allowed 31% of first baskets to centers and 24% of first baskets to small forwards. Meanwhile, Cleveland will start Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Sam Merrill, and Dean Wade.

    Over the last ten games, Isaac Okoro has scored two first baskets in five starts as the Cavaliers’ small forward. Over the last twenty games, Okoro has started eight and has scored 38% of the team’s first baskets in those eight games.

    Therefore, we’ll take a chance on Isaac Okoro to score the first basket tonight.

    Bet: Isaac Okoro (+800)

    Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers

    With DeAndre Ayton listed as doubtful tonight, the Portland Trail Blazers will likely use Duop  Reath for the tip-off.

    Reath has been involved in 14 opening tips this season. In those 14 games, Reath has won the tip just 21% of the time. The Blazers also scored in just 40% of games when Reath was the tip-man.

    On the other hand, the Thunder have Chet Holmgren as their tip-man. Holmgren has won the tip 62% of the time in 61 tips this season. The Thunder have scored first 52% of the time, and Holmgren is already 1-0 against Reath this year.

    This season, Portland has allowed the first basket to the opposition 60% of the time. That’s the third-worst rate in the NBA, behind the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets.

    Portland has given up 36% of first baskets to centers in 60 games and given up 40% of first baskets to centers over the last 20 games.

    This season, Holmgren has made ten first baskets in 61 games started. He’s also scored the team’s first basket in 26% of games played and has attempted the team’s first field goal in 26% of matchups.

    We’ll roll with the Oklahoma City center tonight.

    Bet: Chet Holmgren (+650)

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

    Try Premium for FREE in our mobile app

    BettingPros App