NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/17)
There are two Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament games on the slate tonight. We’ll look to figure out both first basket scorers for the games.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Miami Heat @ Philadelphia 76ers
The Miami Heat have better stats regarding the opening tip than the Philadelphia 76ers. Bam Adebayo is already 1-0 against Joel Embiid this season head-to-head. Adebayo has also won the tip 68% of the time, helping the Heat deliver the first basket in 57% of games this season.
On the other hand, Embiid is also terrific at winning the tip. He’s won 62% of tips in 39 games. However, the 76ers have only scored the first basket in 49% of games this season.
With those stats, it’s more likely the Heat gain possession first and score the first basket.
The 76ers have allowed the first basket to center s26% of the time. With Bam Adebayo scoring the first basket 38% of the time for the Heat, we’ll roll with Bam to score the first basket at +500 odds.
Bet: Bam Adebayo (+500)
Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls
While Clint Capela has only won the tip 46% of the time, he’s still won the tip head-to-head against Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic earlier this year. The Hawks have scored the first basket in 52% of games this season, despite Capela only adding the tip 46% of the time in 72 games.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic has been much worse at winning the tip. He’s also won the tip in 35% of 71 games, which has led to the Bulls only scoring the first basket in 48% of games.
It’s more likely the Hawks get the first basket.
While many teams allow the big men to score first at a high rate, the Bulls are a little different. 28% of the first baskets have come from the point guard spot, and another 21% have come from shooting guards. The Hawks aren’t nearly as good defending guards to begin the game.
While Trae Young has only scored two first baskets in 54 games, Dejounte Murray has added nine first baskets this season. He’s also attempted the team’s first field goal attempt 33% of the time. Therefore, let’s take Murray to score the first basket in tonight’s do-or-die matchup against the Bulls.
Bet: Dejounte Murray (+700)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: