Germantas Kneita
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The NBA playoffs continue on Saturday night with a 4-game slate. We could have the first of this year’s series end tonight, as the Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to complete a sweep of the Brooklyn Nets. Then later in the night both the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies will be hoping to regain home-court advantage. They both dropped 1 of their first 2 home games and will be looking to win it back on the road today.
Be sure to take a look at all of our NBA playoff predictions. But for now, check out my first basket scorer selections below.
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Bucks vs Heat first basket best bet: Brook Lopez (+600)
The Miami Heat had major issues in Game 2 of the series dealing with the size of Brook Lopez. While he has lost the opening tip to Bam Adebayo in both games this post season, the Bucks have gone on to make the opening field goal in each one. In the last outing, Lopez opened the scoring in the game with a dunk. He went on to score 25 points on 17 field-goal attempts, with all but one of these coming inside the paint. That level of aggression from the center allowed more space for the Bucks shooters. Look for the game-plan to remain the same for the visitors. Establishing Lopez as a major offensive threat early will be crucial. He is making 66.7% of his field-goal attempts this postseason, so should be well positioned to convert inside.
Grizzlies vs Lakers first basket best bet: D’Angelo Russell (+850)
Ja Morant looks like he may be making his return following a bruised right hand. Considering that he missed Game 2 due to it being too painful for him to catch the ball and dribble, it would not be a surprise to see the Lakers trying to put him through some tests. I expect to see D’Angelo Russell drive to the rim early to see if the guard is comfortable using that hand to defend and swipe at the ball. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Davis have split gaining the opening possession so far in the series, so the Lakers have a good chance to end up with the first attempt. I expect Morant to air on the side of caution allowing Russell a cleaner first look. He is a good value selection.
Suns vs Clippers first basket best bet: Norman Powell (+800)
Norman Powell filled in admirably for Kawhi Leonard in Game 3 of the series. He stepped into the starting 5 and was aggressive from the jump. He hit the games opening points and did not let up from there, finishing with 42 on the night. Considering he was an incredibly efficient 65.2% from the field, look for him to come out aggressively tonight too, looking to build on his earlier performance. He will have the luxury of going at Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the lowest-rated starters on the Suns in terms of defensive rating. While Deandre Ayton has won 2 of the 3 opening tips, the Suns have made the first field goal just once. It should mean Powell gets an early opportunity to see if he can maintain his scoring run.
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