Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/21)
If you love basketball, then you love Wednesdays.
We’ve got a loaded slate of games, including an exciting matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks will look to extend their win streak to nine home games against the Toronto Raptors.
We’ll make things quick and easy today. Here are my favorite first-basket options for a few of tonight’s games.
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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/21)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers have played twice this season. In both games, Donovan Mitchell earned the first basket.
Both teams are terrific at winning the tip and scoring first. The Cavaliers have earned 56% of first baskets, while the Bucks have scored 53% of first baskets. Both teams win the tip about two times every three games. However, the Bucks take the first shot 70% of the time, while the Cavaliers only shoot the first shot 63% of the time.
In the first game between these two teams, Milwaukee won the tip. Mitchell still scored first. Cleveland got the tip in the second game, and Mitchell scored first again.
Let’s try and hit the trifecta. Mitchell has 10 first baskets for the Cavaliers and seven first shots. If Cleveland gets the ball first, they’re likely going to look at him to score first.
Bet: Donovan Mitchell (+500)
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks
The Knicks and Raptors will play each other for the first time this season. Toronto has scored the first basket in 20 of 31 games this season, winning the tip 61% of the time.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have only scored the first basket 48% of the time while earning the tip in 52% of games. The Raptors certainly have an advantage, even on the road.
Pascal Siakam has been the main scorer for the Raptors. He’s added six first shots and eight first baskets this season. Let’s take Siakam to score the first basket.
Bet: Pascal Siakam (+470)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Portland has won the tip 61% of the time, while Oklahoma City has won just 23% of the time. There’s a high chance that the Trail Blazers will get the game’s first shot.
The Blazers have taken the first shot in 21 of 31 games but only have hit the first basket in 45% of games. Still, the Blazer should be able to get the first basket, especially against one of the worst defenses in the league, the Thunder.
Damian Lillard would be an excellent look. But Jerami Grant has been more offensively involved in the first shot. He’s taken five first shots and has nailed two first baskets for the Blazers this season. He’s got one more first shot than Lillard and the same amount of first baskets as Lillard.
Back Grant at +490.
Bet: Jerami Grant (+490)
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