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NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Saturday (5/6)

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An Embiid First Basket gives us a positive night on Friday. We'll try to keep that good momentum going Saturday where we have two NBA Playoff games. Here are my favorite First Basket plays for Knicks vs Heat and Warriors vs Lakers.

Season to Date: 18-61-5, +4.27 units

NBA First Basket Cheat Sheet: View advice for today's best bets >>

Today's Best NBA First Basket Scorer Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

New York Knicks at Miami Heat

The pivotal Game 3 of this series takes place Saturday. The Knicks will try and steal a game on the road to take a series lead. On the season, the Heat were one of the worst First Basket teams in the league. Fading them has been effective for me and I'm looking to do so again in this spot.

One player I really like for First Basket is Julius Randle. Randle started the series banged up, missing Game 1. He has yet to get going as far as First Baskets in this series but he led the Knicks in this prop during the season.

The matchup with Miami is favorable for Randle as well. On the season Miami gave up their most first field goals to centers, but power forwards were the second most successful position. Considering Robinson isn't much of an offensive threat, that leaves Randle as the most likely player to cash this prop for New York. Given their full season First Basket edge I like the Knicks, and specifically Randle, to cash this prop on Saturday.

Pick: 0.25u on Julius Randle (+480)

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers

Saturday is a really key game in this series as well. Both of these teams were just a tad bit above average in the First Basket department all season. There is one play from each team that I am targeting in this game.

Andrew Wiggins is the player I like for Golden State. Wiggins missed a lot of the season with a personal matter, but he was a good bet for First Basket often in the 2022 campaign. He cashed this prop in Game 1 and has attempted the first shot for the Warriors in both games this series. On the season, the Lakers gave up first field goals to wing scorers more than any position besides centers so this is a good matchup. With no real opening tip edge, I'm going to sprinkle a play on Wiggins for First Basket.

The other play I'm targeting in this game is Anthony Davis. Davis struggled mightily in Game 2 of this series. Back in front of the home crowd for Game 3, I like him to improve. This includes a chance at First Basket. 

The Warriors have given up first field goals to centers well more than any other position. This edge, combined with Davis' typical scoring prowess makes this a strong play for Saturday night.

Pick: 0.25u on Andrew Wiggins (+700) & 0.25u on Anthony Davis (+490)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Tuesday:

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