Andrew Ortenberg
Show Bio
The NBA playoffs continue on Friday, and it’s a small slate with only one game. Fortunately it’s a great one, as the Timberwolves host the Grizzlies for a pivotal Game 6. What better way to celebrate the marquee matchup, and postseason basketball in general, than with a first-basket bet? Let’s dive in, using odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves: Desmond Bane +650
Bane is the play on Friday. One of the most important factors when handicapping a first basket market is looking at who is going to start with ball. And even with Steven Adams relegated to the bench, the Grizzlies still have a jump ball advantage here with Jaren Jackson Jr over Karl-Anthony Towns.
Looking at Memphis players then, both Jackson and Dillon Brooks have shorter odds than Bane and I’m not sure why. In Game 5 of this series the Grizzlies won the opening tip, and Bane made the first basket of the game 18 seconds later with a 25-foot three-pointer. The second-year pro took three shots in the first two minutes of the game.
And that hot start was hardly a fluke. In Game 4 he was scorching hot in the first quarter, making each of his first five shots from the floor. He’s scored at least 25 points in each of the last three games of this series, and there’s no reason the team won’t look to keep him going early here. The volume has been consistent, and volume is king for first basket bets.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Pickswise is the home of free NBA picks and predictions. Make sure to also check out our NBA parlays and NBA prop bets tabs for more expert picks.
