Best NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bets for Today 3/14: Siakam gets spicy with the Nuggets

Germantas Kneita

NBA

Show Bio

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.

@NBAGreenMachine

Updated: 13:21 PM ET March 14, 2023

With 8 games on the NBA slate on Tuesday, there are plenty of games to pick first-basket scorer props from. I have selected from one of the night’s featured games. The Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets will travel to take on the Toronto Raptors live on NBA TV. The Raptors made the surprising decision to strengthen prior to the trade deadline. They now find themselves pushing for a stronger play-in spot to close out the season. Take a look at all of my first basket scorer props below and the rest of our NBA picks too.

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Nuggets vs Raptors first basket best bet: Pascal Siakam (+490)

Jakob Poeltl has now won all 3 of the opening tip-offs against the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic that he has had this season. With the Nuggets center winning just 4 of his last 10, look for the Austrian to continue his current streak. Do not be surprised to see the Raptors turn to Pascal Siakam with the opening possession. Over the last 10 games, he has made the opening field goal for his team on 5 occasions. The Raptors looked to run a Poeltl and Siakam pick and roll early the last time the sides met, going at Nikola Jokic. Considering how poorly the Serbian defends the rim, look for Siakam to drive at the basket coming off that screen tonight.

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Cavaliers vs Hornets first basket best bet: Evan Mobley (+500)

With both Jarrett Allen and Mark Williams likely remaining out for these teams, it will be up to Evan Mobley and Nick Richards to jump for the opening tip. The last time these 2 did so, the Cavaliers ended up with the opening possession. With the length Mobley possesses, do not be surprised to see the same being the case here. The ball could end up in Mobley’s hands for the first shot of the game too. With Allen out, he will be sliding over to the center position. It would make him the team’s leading option as a screen setter and their most efficient lob threat. With a willing passer in Darius Garland running the point and averaging 8.2 assists per game this month, this line should have a good chance to hit.

Knicks vs Trail Blazers first basket best bet: Immanuel Quickley (+800)

While Jusuf Nurkic certainly does not lack size for the Portland Trail Blazers, he is certainly not known for his athleticism. Mitchell Robinson on the other hand is. The Knicks center has won the opening tip in 7 of his last 10 games and should be able to deliver once more tonight. With Jalen Brunson out, Immanuel Quickley will be running the show for the visitors. He will be picked up by Damian Lillard. The Trail Blazers star currently has the worst defensive rating of all of the hosts’ starters. Lillard is however averaging 32.5 points per game in March. Do not be surprised to see the Knicks try to make him work early on defense as a result. Immanuel Quickley certainly has the explosiveness off the bounce to cause him trouble.

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