Best NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bets for Today 5/6: Lakers call upon Davis

I have hit a first basket scorer prop in 2 of the last 3 days after Joel Embiid opened the scoring for the Philadelphia 76ers last night. Tonight 2 more of the conference semifinals take place. Check out my picks for these below.  And do not forget to check out our selections on the sides and totals for the action too.

Warriors vs Lakers first basket best bet: Anthony Davis (+490)

With Kevon Looney being dropped to the bench for the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers path to gaining the first possession of the night becomes much easier. In Game 2 Anthony Davis jumped at the tip against JaMychal Green. With the Lakers man having a height and length advantage, he should gain his team the ball here. Look for Davis to utilize his size to open the scoring for the Lakers too. Of the remaining playoff teams, only the Phoenix Suns allow more paint points than the Golden State Warriors. With the visitors turning to a small ball lineup, look for the Lakers to try and establish Davis from the get-go, to force them to bring in another big. It could be the best shot the hosts have to slow down the Warriors offense. On the season no Laker has scored the first points in a game than the center. It would make sense for them to turn to the Davis from the start tonight too.

Knicks vs Heat first basket best bet: Julius Randle (+500)

After Game 2 of the series, Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks gained a 3-2 advantage over Bam Adebayo of the Heat when it comes to winning opening tip. Considering his height and length advantage over the hosts center, I expect him to extend that lead tonight. Julius Randle should take things over from there. On the season no Knick has opened the scoring for his team or in the game overall more than the power forward. Considering he is going up against Kevin Love here, he should be well positioned to extend that lead. The 34-year old Heat forward is not a great individual defender, lacking the footspeed to stay in front of his man on the perimeter. Randle is more than a capable ball handler and should use this to get a step on his man. It should allow him to either drive and finish at the rim or draw a foul in the process. The Knicks should go to their star early once more tonight.