NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Saturday (1/18)

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, here are a few value first-basket scorer plays.

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Saturday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Who will score the first basket in today’s NBA games? We compare historical first-basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.

Phoenix Suns at Detroit Pistons

Not many people would have predicted the Suns and Pistons would have nearly identical records in late January, but here we are. The Pistons have put together a surprisingly strong start to the year led by emerging star Cade Cunningham. Cunningham has led Detroit in many statistical categories, including scoring, but the focus of this matchup will be his ability to get assists.

Cunningham often likes to find his athletic big man Jalen Duren for first-team scores. With his ability to run the floor, especially in transition, he's a threat for lobs. Duren has started 38 games this season and has scored first for Detroit eight times, tied with Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. for the team lead. Although Duren has produced only two first baskets, I like him to score first against a Phoenix team that allows first scores to big men.

Pick: Jalen Duren (+900)

Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics

The Hawks and Celtics will square off for the third time this season on Saturday. After splitting the first two games, both teams will be looking to get off to a hot start in this matchup. One player I have my eye on is Trae Young. Although Young only has three first baskets on the season, I like him because of the matchup.

More than any other position, Boston gives up first scores to opposing point guards. Young is a more than capable scorer and although he only has three first baskets, he has managed to score Atlanta's first points in 10 games. With a few other players questionable for the matchup, Young may be asked to carry a bigger load. Regardless, I like him to score the first basket against Boston.

Pick: Trae Young (+700)