Trail Blazers vs. Thunder: NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bet Picks & Predictions (Monday)

After what I hope was a solid weekend for everyone, let’s start the week right by winning some money in first-basket bets. As always, there is a lot of variability when it comes to betting the first basket, but, keep in mind, these bets are to maximize your profit in the long run.

Here are my favorite first-basket options for tonight’s slate. And here’s a closer look at Trail Blazers vs. Thunder.

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Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Trail Blazers vs. Thunder

Jusuf Nurkic (+380)

This may not be the best value, but it is the correct play. Nurkic has been winning tips at a 62 percent rate. With Portland’s offense ranking in the top 10 in the league, I trust their ability to capitalize.

What makes me feel good about Nurkic is my lack of trust in Oklahoma City to score, even if they win the tip. While Nurkic is heavily favored, it makes sense. The Trailblazers go to their center about a quarter of the time they score the first basket. On a similar note, the Thunder allows the first basket to opposing centers over 30 percent of the time. While +380 may be the lowest odds I’ve bet on a first basket, I still feel solid for Nurkic. 

View 5 star bets and historical prop performance by player with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>

 

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All opening tip and first basket data courtesy of NBA First Basket (@NBAFirstBasket)

Ryan Coleman is a featured writer at BettingPros. Follow him on Twitter @ryancoleman_98. For more from Ryan, check out his archive.