Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/4)
We’ve got a loaded slate for tonight’s NBA action. But sometimes, you just want to get your bets out of the way quickly and go to bed.
Wagering on first baskets in an NBA game is your best solution. Here are three first-basket options for tonight’s slate.
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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/4)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Charlotte Hornets
When the Grizzlies met the Hornets on November 4, the Grizzlies won the tip and scored the first basket. In that game, it was Steven Adams who scored first.
Ultimately, the Grizzlies have been good at scoring first this year. Memphis has earned 72% of first baskets, adding 67% of tips won. They’ve also taken the first shot 56% of the time.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have only taken the first basket 50% of the time. Charlotte won the tip under 40% of the time and took the first shot 45% of the time.
There’s a good chance Memphis earns the tip and gets the first shot up. That would also give them the best chance at scoring first.
Adams might’ve scored the first basket in that first game, but he’s only taken the first shot twice this season. Dillon Brooks is getting the most shots up to start the game. He’s got eight first shots and five first baskets this season. Ride with Brooks at +500 to score first in this game.
Bet: Dillon Brooks (+500)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Orlando Magic
The Oklahoma City Thunder have only won the tip 22% of the time this year. The Thunder have earned 43% of first baskets while only taking the first shot 38% of the time.
On the other hand, the Magic have won the tip nearly 60% of the time and have put up the first shot 54% of the time while making 51% of their first shots.
In this one, the Magic have the edge, especially at home, to score first.
Paolo Banchero has five first-shot attempts and has made four first-shots this season. He leads the team in first shots and is tied with Franz Wagner and Bol Bol with four first baskets.
Take Paolo.
Bet: Paolo Banchero (+500)
Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers haven’t been efficient. But they’re taking 58% of first baskets while making 47% of first shots. Philadelphia has also earned 47% of the tip to start the game.
On the other hand, the Pacers have only won the tip 34% of the time while scoring on 47% of first baskets.
This year, Tobias Harris scored the first bucket in Philadelphia’s only game against the Pacers. The 76ers won the tip and scored. I’d expect that to happen again tonight.
But I still like Joel Embiid’s chances more. He’s scored 11 of the team’s first field goals and has shot seven first baskets this season. Embiid has over half of the team’s first baskets this season.
Bet: Joel Embiid (+240)
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