Best NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bets for Today 3/7: Quickley lives up to his name

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.

@NBAGreenMachine

Updated: 11:54 AM ET March 07, 2023

Last night we were able to hit a +1000 first-basket scorer bet with Jakob Poeltl opening the scoring for the Toronto Raptors against the Denver Nuggets. We’ll be looking to make it 2 nights in a row with 3 more selections for tonight’s 8 NBA games. There is a TNT doubleheader for us to enjoy as the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves to start off the night before the Los Angeles Lakers look to continue their playoff push against the Memphis Grizzlies.

But for now, let’s dive straight into my favorite NBA first-basket scorer props for tonight’s games. And don’t forget to take a look at the rest of our NBA predictions for tonight’s slate, as well.

Hornets vs Knicks first basket best bet: Immanuel Quickley (+600)

Immanuel Quickley took full advantage of his place in the starting lineup in his last game against the Boston Celtics. He immediately pulled up from 3 to knock down the game’s first basket. He went on to score a team-high 38 points so it would not be a surprise to see him come out equally aggressive here. Playing a lowly Charlotte Hornets team should help ensure the New York Knicks do not rush back Jalen Brunson from injury, giving Quickley the start. With Mitchell Robinson winning 9 of his last 10 tip-offs, the Knicks point guard should have the ball in his hands early tonight.

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Wizards vs Pistons first basket best bet: Bradley Beal (+500)

The Detroit Pistons had real issues containing Damian Lillard in the first quarter last night. They were able to contain his scoring from there with double coverage in the remaining 3 quarters after making adjustments. If they do not send an extra defender towards Bradley Beal, he could have a similarly hot start to the game. With Kristaps Porzingis winning possession from tip-off in 9 of his last 10 games, Beal should get a crack at the first shot of the game. With the Pistons choosing to go with 2 bigs in their lineup, the Wizards star should have a choice of who to go at in a pick-and-roll situation. Don’t be surprised to see him get in the paint for an easy finish.

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Nets vs Rockets first basket best bet: Spencer Dinwiddie (+650)

The Houston Rockets have been terrible at gaining the first possession in games. Over their last 10, they have won the tip on just 1 occasion. Having Alperen Sengun jump against an explosive young center in Nic Claxton is unlikely to buck that trend. This is where I can see Spencer Dinwiddie take over. With Sengun averaging just 0.9 blocks per game, there will not be much resistance in the paint for the Brooklyn Nets. Their point guard should be best positioned to take advantage. He has taken the team’s first shot in 3 of his last 9 starts. Going up against a team 27th in defensive rating over the last 10 games should certainly help him convert.

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