Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/28)
If you like betting quick hitters, this market is for you.
Tonight, we’ll be wagering on multiple first-basket scorers in NBA. All you’ve got to do is turn the TV on for the first bucket, and you’ll know if you’ve won or lost your bet. It’s kind of like those NRFI bets in the MLB.
Let’s get after it!
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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/28)
Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons
The Magic have won the tip 60 percent of the time this year. They’ve also added 51 percent of first baskets while taking the first shot 54 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons have only scored the first basket in 36 percent of games. Detroit rarely wins the tip (42%) and has taken the first shot just 42 percent of the time. When these two teams met earlier this season, Paolo Banchero added the first basket after the Magic earned the tip.
Banchero had a rough go yesterday against the Lakers, getting in foul trouble quickly. Look for him to bounce back quickly against the Pistons. He’s added five first baskets on six first shots for the Magic this year.
Bet: Paolo Banchero (+600)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat
The Lakers have won the tip 59 percent of the time this season. They’ve also earned the first basket in 47 percent of games and have taken the first shot in 53 percent of games.
On the other hand, the Heat have only won the tip 47 percent of the time. Even worse, they have scored just 29 percent of first baskets while taking 41 percent of the first shots.
These two teams will play their first game against one another. It’s likely that the Lakers win the tip and get the opportunity to score first. With LeBron James potentially unavailable, Lonnie Walker would be the play. He’s scored seven first baskets for the Lakers and has five first shots.
Bet: Lonnie Walker (+700)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls
The Bucks have won the tip 70 percent of the time while the Bulls have won the tip just 21 percent of the time. The Bucks are also getting the first shot 73 percent of the time while the Bulls have earned the first shot just 27 percent of the time.
The Bucks should be able to win the tip and score first. In the first meeting between the two teams, it was Brook Lopez who got the first bucket after the Bucks won the tip.
The Bucks spread out their offense early. Jrue Holiday has four first baskets while Giannis Antetokounmpo has six first baskets. However, Lopez has seven first shots, which leads the team. Still, he has only earned three first baskets on those seven first-shot attempts.
I’ll roll with Giannis in this spot.
Bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+310)
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