Germantas Kneita
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The NBA returns after the all-star break tonight, with teams looking to make a last push for the postseason. That should be fully evident in the second game of the TNT doubleheader tonight as the Golden State Warriors take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams are outside of the top 6 in their conference and will be hoping that they can start a run that will get them back into the mix. With the West getting considerably stronger at the trade deadline, neither team can really afford a loss. Check out the first-basket scorer prop I have picked out for that game below.
And do not forget to take a look at the rest of our NBA predictions, too.
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Pelicans vs Raptors first basket best bet: Brandon Ingram (+440)
Brandon Ingram has been a first-bucket machine for the New Orleans Pelicans. In his last 8 starts, he has knocked down the game’s first shot on 5 occasions. That sort of trend is hard to ignore. He has upped his efficiency over the last 10 games, making just above 49% of his field goals. Up against a Raptors team that is just average defensively, ranking 16th in defensive rating over the last 10 games, he will have a great chance to keep his run going. He will be helped by the fact that Jonas Valanciunas has been dominant winning tip-offs, having gained possession in 8 of their last 10 games. Expect that to continue.
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Pistons vs Magic first basket best bet: Paolo Banchero (+700)
The Detroit Pistons have been struggling to win the tip, having done so just twice over their last 10 games. They are unlikely to improve on that tonight against an Orlando Magic team that has Wendell Carter Jr. jumping for the ball. Over the last 10 games the Pistons are also just 21st in defensive rating, which should give the Magic a great chance of knocking down the game’s first basket. Look for Paolo Banchero to be the man to do that. During that stretch no Magic player has made the team’s first basket as often as the rookie. The Pistons should also have issues matching up with his size, giving him an advantage in the post. Look for the hosts to try to establish him early in this game.
Today’s NBA mega parlay has +1026 odds!
Warriors vs Lakers first basket best bet: Anthony Davis (+450)
Anthony Davis has been doing it all for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has helped them to win the tip in 8 of their last 10 games, going on to make the first field goal for the team in 5 of those contests, with 3 of them being the first basket of the game. No other Laker tops him in either category. The Warriors should be a favorable opponent for him tonight. Kevon Looney is relatively undersized, which should help the Lakers to gain possession to start the game. The Warriors’ lack of size will also likely make Davis a focal point from the get-go. The hosts are just 23rd in defensive rating over the last 10 games. They are also 23rd in opponent points in the paint during that stretch. Look for the Lakers to work the ball inside to Davis from the beginning in this one.
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