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NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Thursday (4/20)

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All of the home teams won their matchups yesterday, but tonight, only one of the three home teams are favored to win their respective matchups in the NBA Playoffs.

It should be an interesting night. However with two games starting at 10:00 pm ET or later, many East Coasters would rather place quick bets and get to bed by 11.

Here are a few first-basket options for tonight’s NBA Playoffs.

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Thursday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have won the tip in six straight games against the Kings. In this playoff series, the Warriors have still only scored first once, but they won the tip in both games.

The Kings have struggled to win the tip all season long. They’ve earned just 31% of tips and have scored the first basket in 40% of games. That’s nothing compared to the Warriors, who have earned the tip in 50% of games this year.

Golden State has also scored the first basket in 58% of games.

Clearly, the Warriors have a higher probability of earning the tip and scoring first.

Klay Thompson has led the team with 13 first baskets this season. He’s also attempted 12 first shots for the Warriors this year. With Draymond Green suspended, Jonathan Kuminga will get the start for Golden State, but he’s probably not a threat to score first. Meanwhile, Steph Curry has only scored three first baskets all year long.

So it’s really between Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson. Wiggins has scored the first basket in 10 games and barely even played the second half of the season.

With Wiggins back in rhythm, I’ll take my chances with him to score first.

Bet: Andrew Wiggins (+650) 

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Kevin Durant added the first basket for the Suns in Game 2, but in Game 1, the Suns lost the tip and didn’t score the first basket.

However, the Suns have won the tip in four of six games this season. They also look much better analytically and have a higher probability of earning the tip tonight. The Suns have won the tip in 68% of games. They’ve also attempted the first shot in 63% of games.

On the other hand, the Clippers have won the tip in just 46% of games and have attempted the first shot in 52% of games.

Although the Suns have won the tip more times, the Clippers have scored first in four of those six games.

Again, the Suns still have a higher probability of winning the tip and scoring first. I will always want to bet on the team and player that will take the first attempt, and that should be the Suns.

When Durant wasn’t around, it was usually DeAndre Ayton or Devin Booker. Ayton added 15 first shots and scored 12 first baskets. Booker only attempted five firsts shots but still has 10 first baskets.

Durant’s always going to be a good look, but don’t be surprised if it’s Ayton scoring first tonight.

Bet: DeAndre Ayton (+490)

Check out our other best bets for Thursday:

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