NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (5/3)

We’ve got a standalone Eastern Conference matchup for tonight’s NBA action.

It’ll be Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

The 76ers defeated the Celtics in Game 1, on the road, without MVP Joel Embiid on the floor. Embiid is currently a game-time, but it looks like it’ll actually play tonight’s game.

With that said, here are a couple of options to consider for tonight’s first-basket market.

Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>

Wednesday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics

The 76ers have won the tip in three of five games against the Celtics this season. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the 76ers won the tip, and James Harden scored first. That was even without Embiid.

The Celtics typically get the first shot more frequently, taking 56% of the first shot this season. That’s much better than the 76ers, who only take the first shot in 47% of games this season.

However, the 76ers have scored the first basket in 63% of games, while the Celtics have only scored the first basket in 48% of games. Despite winning the tip at nearly the same rate, Philadelphia ultimately scores first at a much higher rate than the Celtics.

Embiid is usually the featured player for the 76ers early in games. But I like James Harden and Tobias Harris’ chances, even with Embiid on the floor to begin the game.

Harden has attempted nine first shots this season and has made six first baskets. Meanwhile, Harris has drained 12 first baskets while only attempting six first shots.

On the first-basket board, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are getting the most love and the highest probability of scoring first. But I’ve got the 76ers scoring first at a higher likelihood than the Celtics.

So back those two 76ers. We’ll profit as long as Harden or Harris scores the first basket.

Bet: James Harden (+600)
Bet: Tobias Harris (+900) 

Check out our other best bets for Wednesday:

• MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
• MLB Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NBA Playoffs Player Prop Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions

Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts