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NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Monday (4/17)

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Everyone will be up for the Nets-76ers matchup. But some of you on the East Coast probably won’t be able to stay awake for the Kings-Warriors matchup, which starts at 10:00 pm EST.

But you can at least stay up for the first basket and try to earn some money quickly before you head to bed.

Here are a couple of first basket options for tonight’s NBA Playoffs doubleheader.

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(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers earned the tip in the opening game against the Nets. Joel Embiid took the first shot and didn’t score. But PJ Tucker earned the offensive rebound and passed it to Embiid, who missed again.

After that miss, Embiid’s third try was good. Embiid scored the first basket for the 76ers in the series’ first game.

The 76ers have scored the first basket in 61% of games this year. The Nets have only added the first basket in 51% of games. Both teams have been winning the tip 47% of the time. But it’s the 76ers earning the first basket at a much higher rate.

Embiid has 14 first shots and 21 first baskets, and the 76ers have scored 51 first baskets.

Embiid is typically the go-to guy early for the 76ers. I’ll roll with him in another home game against the Nets.

Bet: Joel Embiid (+270) 

Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings

The Kings and Warriors didn’t score the first basket in their first game until a minute and 20 seconds came off the clock.

But it was Donte DiVincenzo who nailed the first basket for the Warriors.

The Warriors have won the tip over the Kings in all five games this season. The Warriors have also scored the first basket in all five games.

Andrew Wiggins has two of the first baskets, Steph Curry has one, and Kevon Looney has another, along with DiVincenzo.

I’m confident that the Warriors will win the tip again. In the last game, Steph Curry turned the ball over, giving the Kings the first-shot attempt. But ultimately, the Warriors have a higher probability of winning the tip and scoring first.

The Kings have only won the tip in 31% of games and have scored the first basket 40% of the time. On the other hand, the Warriors have won the tip in 49% of games and have scored the first basket in 59% of games.

Klay Thompson is one of the only starters who hasn’t scored a first basket against the Kings this season. But he had a chance on a driving floater that he missed on Saturday. He’s attempted 12 first shots and has made 13 first baskets this season to lead the team. I’ll take my chances with Thompson.

Bet: Klay Thompson (+430)

Check out our other best bets for Monday:

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