First baskets are complex props to analyze, but the reward could be substantial. Let’s look at one player who could score the game's first points today between the Trail Blazers and Thunder.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
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)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Thunder remain the best team in the league as they hold the top spot in the Western Conference. What makes them tough is they are well-balanced, which includes the best net rating in the league. This is supported by the best defense in the league, as they have a league-leading 103.7 defensive rating - four points lower than the second-place team.
They're at a 52% first-basket rate this year, but they have been much better lately, scoring the first basket in seven of their last 10 games. They are taking on the Trail Blazers, who are on a four-game winning streak but have lost both games to Oklahoma City this season. A few players, including Jalen Williams, are tied for the team lead with four first baskets made.
In the opening tip-off, Williams will likely face Portland rookie Donovan Clingan. He won that matchup in the previous game. The Blazers also allow the highest percentage of first baskets to come from forwards (47%).
Pick: Jalen Williams (+650)
