NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Monday (Nuggets vs. Lakers)

Every game is a must-win for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals moving forward.

The Lakers are currently down 3-0 in the series against the Denver Nuggets. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA Playoffs.

Los Angeles will need to take it one game at a time. If the Lakers can earn a win tonight, find a way in Denver, and come back home down 3-2, Los Angeles will have a little more hope.

But let’s see.

Here’s a first basket prop for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

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Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have won the tip in the last two games in this series. However, the Lakers won the first tip and have scored first in two of the first three games.

All in all, including the regular season, the Lakers have added four tips won against the Nuggets, while the Nuggets have earned three tips won.

The Lakers have also scored first four times in seven games against the Nuggets.

Typically, Los Angeles has a better chance of winning the tip. The Lakers have earned the tip in 59% of games this season. Compare that to the Nuggets’ 48% of tips won this year.

The Lakers have also attempted the first shot in 56% of games. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have taken the first shot in 52% of games. Still, the Nuggets have earned more first baskets than the Lakers. The Nuggets have hit 52% of first baskets, and the Lakers have only earned 49% this season.

Denver’s on a roll earning the tip right now. I’d expect the Nuggets to continue that tonight. Jamal Murray came out firing in the first half of Game 3, scoring 30 points. So, of course, the Nuggets would love to get Murray going in Game 4 and earn a week-long rest between Game 4 and the NBA Finals.

Murray has attempted one more first shot than Nikola Jokic this season, but Jokic has way more first baskets than Murray this year. A new player has scored first in every game between these two this season.

Jamal Murray doesn’t have a first basket against the Lakers, but the Nuggets would love to feature him early. Murray has proven he’s a top point guard in the league and deserves more respect.

Bet: Jamal Murray (+650) 

Check out our other best bets for Monday:

• MLB PrizePicks Player Predictions
• MLB Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NBA Playoffs Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NBA Playoffs Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NHL Playoffs Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions

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