NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (2/15)

by Jason Radowitz |
Feb 15, 2023

Itâ€™s a near-full slate of NBA games tonight. So make sure to enjoy tonightâ€™s 10-game schedule. We wonâ€™t get another one until next week.

Iâ€™ll be wagering on three first-basket bets using head-to-head data and comprehensive data on first baskets. Letâ€™s get right to it.

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First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

The Chicago Bulls have only won the tip in 16 of 57 games this season. Nikola Vucevic is not someone youâ€™re going to want to count on when it comes to winning the tip.

Heâ€™ll take on Myles Turner for the tip, who has already earned the tip in two games against Vucevic this season. The Pacers have earned 34% of the tip and have attempted 44% of first shots. The Bulls have only attempted 37% of the first shot.

The Pacers and Bulls each earned one first basket in those two previous games. But the Pacers had the ball first in both games and have the advantage tonight too.

Aaron Nesmith already has one first basket against the Bulls this season. Heâ€™s attempted six first baskets and has scored on five first baskets. I like him to get the first basket in tonightâ€™s game too.

Bet: Aaron Nesmith (+1000)

Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have still won 63% of tips, even with Steven Adams missing time. Memphis has also earned the tip in all three of their previous games against the Jazz earlier this season.

The Jazz have only scored the first basket in 29% of games, while the Grizzlies have added the first basket in 64% of games. Clearly, the Grizzlies have the advantage here.

Dillon Brooks has two first baskets against the Jazz in three games. Heâ€™s also attempted the most first baskets and has tied Ja Morant for the most first baskets made.

But Morant is a much better volume scorer and a bit more efficient. Iâ€™ll back Morant to get the first basket here.

Bet: Ja Morant (+390)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have won two of three tips against the Dallas Mavericks in three games. Dwight Powell has struggled to win the tip for the Mavericks, helping Dallas only earn 34% of tips this season. On the other hand, the Nuggets have taken the first shot in 53% of games and have nailed the first basket in 48% of games.

This season, Nikola Jokic scored 10 of 28 first baskets for the Nuggets. Denver should be able to earn the ball first. Theyâ€™ll also likely be without Jamal Murray, which should help Jokic get the first shot.

Take Jokoic at +210.

Bet: Nikola Jokic (+210)

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