First basket player prop bets are a great way to jump into NBA betting action. It’s a bet that will be decided very quickly… with the first basket! You are betting on a player to score their team’s first basket. If they do, you win!
Let’s take a look at our favorite first basket player prop bet picks for tonight.
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel)
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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat
It will be Joel Embiid vs. Bam Adebayo for the tip. Adebayo is 2-of-4 in opening tipoffs and lost to Embiid in Game 4. Embiid made the first attempt at a field goal in Game 3 but was called for the charge, then in Game 4 threw a bad pass for a turnover. While I like Embiid with the ball throughout most of the game, for now not on the opening possession.
Jimmy Butler has been the guy to trust for the Heat as he’s made the first basket in four of their last ten games. He’s been hands down their best scorer in this series, and he’s getting it done in this one.
First Basket: Jimmy Butler +750
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns
The initial advantage will come to Phoenix at the tip-off as it will be Deandre Ayton vs. Dwight Powell. Ayton has been dominant during these playoffs in tip-off wins, including all four in this series. Seriously, Powell shouldn’t even try.
The Suns have gained the initial possession in all four games and made the first basket. Phoenix has done well in finding the open man for a high-percentage shot, and it will be no different tonight. Devin Booker has been hot during this series as he’s shooting 52% from three and hit the game’s first basket from behind the arc. This gives Booker four first baskets in his last 11 games, and they’ll stick with the hot hand.
First Basket: Devin Booker +490
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