First baskets are complex props to analyze, but the reward could be substantial. Let’s look at two players who could score the first points today in the NBA.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Sunday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Props
(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.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are limping to the end of the season, just 3-5 in their last eight games. What has made them nervous is Boston’s eight-game winning streak, which has closed the gap to four games for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. It would be tough to have that spot for the entire season just to lose it in the last few days.
They get a tough matchup against the Clippers, who have been hot, winning 10 of their last 12. While it hasn't resulted in wins, the Cavs have scored the first basket in seven of their previous 10 games. Evan Mobley has been one of the best at scoring first baskets, as his 11 are the fourth-most in the league. He leads the team with two first baskets in his last seven games.
Pick: Evan Mobley (+430)
Detroit Pistons vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Pistons are in a tight race for seeding in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit at No. 5. They are only one game behind Indiana for the No. 4 seed but just 1.5 games ahead of Milwaukee at No. 6. Regardless of where they finish, they are likely in the playoffs. No one would have predicted that a team that had the worst record the previous year and a 28-game losing streak could pull off such a turnaround.
The Pistons are on a great run at the moment, converting nine of their last 10 first-basket attempts, leading to a 7-3 record in that span. They take on Minnesota, who has hit just 50% in that same span. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been converting a ton of first baskets, ranking second on the team with eight this season. He leads the team with three in the last 10 games.
If you want to get the first basket against the Timberwolves, give the ball to the guards, as Minnesota has allowed the most first baskets to that position. These are enormous odds, but the stats back up Hardaway. There’s a chance for a huge return here.
Pick: Tim Hardaway Jr. (+1000)
