Germantas Kneita
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Thursday night does not bring the biggest NBA slate with it as 10 teams will be in action. The nights only nationally televised game will see the Orlando Magic take on the Phoenix Suns on NBA TV. The Suns are currently looking to secure the 4th seed in the Western Conference. Considering they are just a game and a half above the play-in positions, they will be hoping to avoid a loss and getting sucked back into that battle in the Western Conference.
Take a look at all of my first basket scorer props including my selection from that game below and the rest of our NBA picks too.
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Kings vs Nets first basket best bet: Spencer Dinwiddie (+750)
Domantas Sabonis has failed to win the tip off in any of his last 10 games. He should struggle putting an end to that streak tonight against a young and athletic big man in Nic Claxton. There is a great chance the Brooklyn Nets will have the first shot. With the Sacramento Kings just 29th in defensive rating over the last 10 games, they will have a great chance of converting it. Look to Spencer Dinwiddie to be the man to do it. He is best equipped to get to the paint and attack a Kings team that severely lacks rim protection. They average just 2.4 blocks per game so no help defender should discourage the point guard from getting his shot off. Couple that with his length, and Dinwiddie should be able to get off to an efficient start.
Check out our Sacramento Kings vs Brooklyn Nets predictions
Pacers vs Bucks first basket best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+260)
The Indiana Pacers have won the opening tip in just 3 of their last 10 games. Their odds of winning it tonight could be significantly smaller if Myles Turner does not play. He has missed the last 2 games and is listed as questionable. Isaiah Jackson jumped in his absence but the 6’7” forward is unlikely to have success against the massive Bucks frontline. That lack of size on the Pacers frontline is likely to mean the Bucks attack the paint from the get-go. Giannis Antetokounmpo has the most suitable arsenal of moves to attack and overpower in the post. The Pacers should have issues dealing with his physicality all night long. Do not be surprised to see his first points come from the free throw line as a result.
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Magic vs Suns first basket best bet: Devin Booker (+440)
Deandre Ayton has been dominating opening tips of late. Over the last 10 games, he has gained the opening possession for the Phoenix Suns on 8 occasions. Look for that to continue against an Orlando Magic team that have gained the first possession just 4 times during that stretch. With the Magic 20th in defensive rating over the last 10 games, the Suns will have a great chance to convert first. Being matched up against Gary Harris should help Devin Booker have the ball in his hands to begin with. Considering he is averaging 34.6 points per game in March, it would be well justified too. The Suns guard has scored a combined 62-points in his last 2 games while having just 4 assists. Do not expect him to give the ball up here. With the size the Magic have in the paint, look for him to attack Harris from mid-range to start.
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