NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Sunday (1/12)
First baskets are complex props to analyze, but the reward could be substantial. Let’s look at two players who could score the game's first points on Sunday, January 5th.
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Sunday's Best NBA First Basket Scorer Props
Who will score the first basket in today’s NBA game? We compare historical first-basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
We have to talk about two teams heading in different directions. The Bucks started this season horrendously, but they have been much better. They recently won three straight and are 9-5 in their last 16 games. They are looking again like they will compete in the Eastern Conference.
They are facing the Knicks, who have been on a slide. They have lost four of their last five games, and their only win was against the awful Raptors.
The Bucks have been efficient with the first basket, scoring five in their last seven games. However, the Knicks have not been as successful with the first basket, scoring just four in their last ten and 46% on the year. You might think Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team in first baskets, but Damian Lillard, their prominent scorer in the backcourt, leads with five. The Knicks have allowed the most first baskets to guards.
Pick: Damian Lillard (+650)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
The Cavaliers are one of the hottest teams coming into this game, with 12 straight wins. They showed how big of a threat they could be by winning the battle of the No. 1s against Oklahoma City.
They will face another team that is playing well. The Pacers seem to be getting things on track. They have won five straight and have been one of the best statistical teams in that span.
This should be exciting, with two talented offenses, but it matters more who starts the game. Cleveland seems to be the heavy favorite to win, especially with its 84% tipoff win rate. It is also one of the best at starting the game with points, as it is sixth in first-basket rate.
The Pacers are 28th and have just five in their last ten games. More than half of the first points Indiana has allowed have been to the forward position. Mobley is tied for the most first baskets on the team.
Pick: Evan Mobley (+500)