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NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/19)

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There are three more NBA games on the schedule for tonight.

We’ve got the Lakers looking to take care of business against the Grizzlies, the Bucks hoping to tie the series against the Heat and the Nuggets trying to earn another win at home against the Timberwolves.

If you’re looking for a quick fix tonight, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few first-basket options for tonight’s NBA Playoffs.

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Wednesday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks

In the series’ first game, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored the first basket despite the Miami Heat winning the tip.

The Heat have won the tip in 49% of games, while the Bucks have won the tip in 65% of games. Although the Heat have won the tip 49% of the time, Miami has still only scored the first basket in 39% of games.

Compare that to the Bucks, who have scored the first basket in 61% of games. I would’ve loved to pick Giannis to score first again. But due to an injury, his availability is questionable. Therefore, I’ll take a look at Brook Lopez instead.

Lopez has a first basket against the Heat on Feb. 4 and has led the team in first shots this season with 11. Lopez also has 12 first baskets made, just one fewer than Giannis.

Bet: Brook Lopez (+550) 

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are very good at a lot of things. But winning the tip isn’t one of them. The Nuggets have won the tip in 47% of games this season. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have won the tip in 56% of games.

However, in the series’ first game, Michael Porter Jr. connected for the first basket after Denver won the tip. Ironically enough, the Nuggets have won the tip in all five games that they’ve played against Denver.

Although Denver has won the tip in 47% of games, the team has attempted the first shot in 53%. I’m still going to ride with the Nuggets to score first. Nikola Jokic has added 16 first baskets and has attempted the first shot in 11 games. He also had a first basket against the Timberwolves in February.

So I’ll take a chance with Jokic to score first tonight.

Bet: Nikola Jokic (+400)

Check out our other best bets for Wednesday:

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