Best NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bets for Today 3/13: Ayton rises to the occasion

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton
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Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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There are 7 games on the NBA slate on Monday night with a ESPN double header to boot. The first of the 2 games will see the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Dallas Mavericks. Both teams are involved in tight races, with the Grizzlies looking to secure the 2nd seed while the Mavericks are within touching distance of 5th. That will be followed up by the meeting between the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. Check out the first basket scorer props I have picked out for each of those games below. And do not forget to take a look at the rest of our NBA picks too.

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Suns vs Warriors first basket best bet: Deandre Ayton (+370)

The Phoenix Suns and Deandre Ayton have won the opening possession in 9 of their last 10 games. Going up against the Golden State Warriors should allow them to continue that streak. Kevon Looney will be at a size disadvantage jumping for the ball and has only won his team the first possession 4 times during that stretch. Look for the Suns to explore that size mismatch early in this game. Ayton has made the teams first basket in 6 of his last 10 starts, 3 of which were the first in the game overall. With Chris Paul averaging 12.5 assists per game over the last week, Ayton should have someone able to serve him up the ball on a plate in a pick-and-roll situation.

Check out our Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors predictions

Jazz vs Heat first basket best bet: Jimmy Butler (+550)

While the Utah Jazz have been more successful at winning the opening tip, their offense has had issues. Over the last 10 games, they are just 21st in the league in offensive rating and are likely to be without 2 of their 3 leading scorers this season. That should give the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler a shot at the games first make. Jimmy Butler had been on a tear, averaging 31.3 points per game over the last week, including 38 in his last outing. He has shot above 56% percent in all but 1 outing this month, averaging over 10 free throw attempts per game. He should be well positioned to take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves as a result.

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Grizzlies vs Mavericks first basket best bet: Xavier Tillman (+500)

Trends like this are hard to ignore. Over the his last 8 starts Xavier Tillman has went on to make the games opening shot on 5 occasions. Playing against a relatively undersized frontline of the Dallas Mavericks, he should have a great chance of keeping that run going here. Over the last 10 games, the Grizzlies have won the opening tip on 6 occasions as compared to just 3 for the Mavericks. With the Mavericks just 27th in defensive rating over the last 10 games, they should struggle to get stops tonight. They also allow the 27th in opponent points in the paint. That should allow Tillman to thrive once more here.

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