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The NBA conference semifinals continue on Sunday with a pair of Game 4’s. The first of the games will see the Boston Celtics taking on the Philadelphia 76ers. The visitors will be looking to building a commanding 2-1 lead before the series shifts back to Boston. That will be followed by the Denver Nuggets trying to do the same thing in their series against the Phoenix Suns. We have hit a first basket scorer prop in 2 of the last 4 days and will be hoping to build on that here.
Be sure to take a look at all of our NBA predictions for those games, but for now, let’s get into my NBA first-basket scorer selections.
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Celtics vs 76ers first basket best bet: Tyrese Maxey (+800)
The Philadelphia 76ers have gained the first possession in each of the first 3 games of the series. With Joel Embiid likely jumping against an undersized center in Al Horford, he should be well positioned to keep that streak going. In each of the 3 games, a different 76er has opened the scoring. Look for that to continue here with Tyrese Maxey taking his turn.
The 76ers guard should have a favorable matchup here. Marcus Smart is listed as questionable to play due to a left ankle sprain. Even if he does take to the floor, the 76ers could look to test him early. The speed of Maxey should be able to do just that. With Embiid occupying Horford, there should not be much help coming his way in the paint. That should put him in a great position to open the scoring here.
Check out our Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers predictions
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Nuggets vs Suns first basket best bet: Kevin Durant (+450)
Deandre Ayton has helped the Phoenix Suns to gain the opening possession in 2 straight games against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. With Jokic lacking an explosive vertical leap, that trend should continue here. In Game 3, Kevin Durant went on to take and miss the first shot. I expect him to improve on that here. He should be able to go one better today. He attempted 16 free throw attempts in that game and should have success getting to the line tonight too.
In 15 starts for the Suns, he has opened the scoring for the team on 4 occasions. With Devin Booker having been on fire in the series, look for the Nuggets to try and force the ball out of his hands. It should help Durant get the first shot off tonight too. He is making 48.1% of his field goal attempts this series and should be well positioned to take advantage this time around.
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