NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Saturday (1/11)
Saturday's NBA action is a jam-packed slate with plenty of games on the schedule. This means there is a lot of opportunity to find plays for any NBA fan or bettor. If you're looking to get in on the action early Saturday, here are a few First Basket plays with value.
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Saturday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Houston Rockets at Atlanta Hawks
The Rockets travel to Atlanta on Saturday to take on the Hawks in an afternoon matchup. Houston has been impressive all year, especially when it comes to First Baskets. The Rockets have scored first in just about two-thirds of their games this year and the player who leads the team in First Baskets is emerging star, Alperen Sengun.
Sengun has been one of the best First Basket scorers in the entire league. His 10 First Baskets is one of the highest marks. This isn't a huge surprise considering he takes Houston's first shot in almost one-third of the games he starts. Against a team like Atlanta that gives up First Baskets to bigs more than any other position, I like Sengun again on Saturday.
Pick: Alperen Sengun (+470)
Utah Jazz at Phoenix Suns
With the rotation in flux, the Suns have been trying to find something that works. One thing that has worked for them all season is Devin Booker. Booker has been putting up his typical All-Star-level scoring numbers including some success with First Baskets. In 31 starts on the year, he's put up six First Baskets, including in Thursday's win over Atlanta.
One reason Booker has compiled First Baskets is because he's getting plenty of opportunities. He's taken the first shot for Phoenix is nearly half of his starts. He has a very strong matchup against a Utah team that likes to give up first scores to guards. His success has me leaning Booker, but it's the matchup that makes this one of my favorite plays of Saturday.
Pick: Devin Booker (+500)
Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves
It's a colossal matchup as Zach Edey and Rudy Gobert square off on the opening tip on Saturday. Although both of these centers stand over seven feet, Edey has the advantage. In 17 starts this year, Edey has won the tip 15 times. That is one of the reasons that Memphis has been one of the best First Basket teams in the league.
Another advantage that Edey has is that Minnesota likes to give up First Baskets to bigs. Edey isn't new to these opportunities either. He already has four First Baskets on the season although he's started less than half of Memphis's games. Memphis likes to feed him early and he's always a threat to get an offensive rebound. I like for him to start things off on Saturday.
Pick: Zach Edey (+750)