There are 11 matchups on the NBA slate tonight.
That means we’ll get 11 first-basket scorers!
I’ve reviewed all the games and found my favorite two first-basket scorers. If we hit one, we’ll be profitable. Let’s get right to it!
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Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been awful at scoring first this season. The Clippers have won the tip in just 21% of games this season. They’ve also scored the first field goal in only 26% of games.
Beyond that, Los Angeles has attempted the game’s first field goal at 37%, which is one of the lowest in the NBA.
They’ll face a Nuggets team tonight that is much more consistent. Denver has won the tip in 52% of games. They’ve also scored the first field goal in 57% of games and have attempted the first field goal in 48% of matchups.
I’d trust the Nuggets to win the tip and at least get the first shot up.
Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are listed as questionable but are expected to start and play for the Nuggets. Still, Nikola Jokic has been the guy early for Denver.
He’s attempted the team’s first field goal in 45% of games and has made the team’s first field goal in 45% of games. He’s got nine first baskets already this season. This is a good matchup for him to get his 10th.
Bet: Nikola Jokic (+430)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Golden State Warriors
The Portland Trail Blazers aren’t winners at all. However, they’ve been solid, winning the tip and scoring first.
The Blazers have won the tip in 67% of games this season. But while they’ve only scored the first field goal in 50% of games, they’ve attempted the game’s first field goal in 70% of matchups.
Those stats give us some confidence.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have won the tip in 50% of games and have scored the first field goal in 55% of games.
Portland is DeAndre Ayton listed as questionable. But he’ll likely play.
He’s earned six first field goals this season and has hit four first-field goals in his last ten games. Ayton has also attempted the team’s first field goal in 29% of games and has made the team’s first field goal in 35% of matchups.
With players like Matisse Thybulle and Toumani Camara in the lineup, Ayton has a very high chance of scoring first once he helps win the tip.
Bet: DeAndre Ayton (+500)
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