Germantas Kneita
There is a monster 10-game slate on the NBA on Sunday, with plenty of games to choose from for first-basket scorer props. There are 4 nationally televised games today, all back-to-back. With 3 of my 4 picks being for those games, let’s not waste any more time and dive right in. Do not forget to check out our full NBA predictions for today’s action too.
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Bucks vs Wizards first basket best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+400)
The Washington Wizards’ frontline does not have the size to deal with the physicality of Giannis Antetokounmpo. I am expecting the Milwaukee Bucks to force the ball to him early, making that point evident. The Bucks have also won the opening tip in 8 of their last 10 games. Even if they fail to do so, they are 2nd in defensive rating over that stretch which would give them a great chance of getting a stop. Their Greek superstar has made the team’s opening basket on 3 occasions during that time and I expect him to power to the rim to do the same once more.
Warriors vs Lakers first basket best bet: Dennis Schroeder (+800)
With Kevon Looney jumping for the opening possession for the Golden State Warriors, they do not have the greatest size. Therefore he should struggle winning the tip against a Los Angeles Lakers team who have had the ball first in 8 of their last 10 games. Tonight, we should see the return of Stephen Curry, and I am expecting the Lakers to be going at him early to see if he is up to speed. The man who should be doing that is Dennis Schroder. The German guard is lightning quick and loves attacking off the dribble. If he can beat Curry early on tonight, he has a great chance of knocking down the first shot with his crafty finishing ability in the paint.
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Knicks vs Celtics first basket best bet: Julius Randle (+500)
The absence of Robert Williams III for the Boston Celtics could be huge. It deprives the Celtics of their most athletic big to jump for the ball and leaves them undersized on the interior. With Mitchell Robinson helping the Knicks gain the first possession in 8 of the last 10 games, look for the same to happen tonight. This is where Julius Randle takes over. He scored 43 points in his last outing and should look to come out aggressive tonight. Without the length of someone such as Williams III up against him, he should find it easy in to finish in the paint and get the Knicks off to a fast start.
Check out today’s NBA prop picks from JutPicks and Prop Holliday
Grizzlies vs Clippers first basket best bet: Xavier Tillman (+1100)
In his last 8 starts for the Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Tillman has been able to knock down the game’s opening shot on 3 occasions. It is the sort of trend that is hard to ignore. The absence of Ja Morant could help him too. His replacement, Tyus Jones, is a willing passer and is less likely to look for his own shot inside than Morant is. If he gets into the paint early, he will be looking for Tillman as the lob threat. With Clippers starters Masom Plumlee and Russell Westbrook both being recent additions, look for the Grizzlies to put them in a pick-and-roll situation early. Tillman is definitely worth a look at these odds as a result.
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