Just two games tonight in the NBA with one being played in another country. The league is showcasing their product in Mexico City with the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic – both entering with winning records. In turn, our NBA first basket bets tonight are really reliant upon favorable odds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was thrown out of last night’s game in the third quarter and is expected to take out some pent up frustration against the Indiana Pacers. Two games, two first basket props – let’s get to work!
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NBA First Basket Bets Tonight
Bucks-Pacers First Basket Bet
Myles Turner should square off against Brook Lopez for tonight’s opening tip. The Bucks are in a great spot; Lopez has a good chance of winning the tip, and the Bucks are strong enough defensively to hold if not. While Malik Beasley is certainly appealing at 8-1 on FanDuel (Free Throws are included here) it’s the same number for Lopez.
Even last night when Beasley scored first off a transition bucket for the Bucks, Lopez still got the next bucket. He’s involved early, it’s what Milwaukee has consistently done with their 3-point shooting big man. Don’t be fooled by any talk of Giannis demanding the ball first to slam it through the earth’s crust, Lopez drops the first bucket.
Best NBA First Basket Bets Tonight Prop: Brook Lopez +800 (FanDuel) for 0.25 Units
Hawks-Magic First Basket Bet
Not having Carter Jr. is hurting the Magic in a debilitating way, as it starts tonight right with the opening tip. The Hawks should gain the first possession, so let’s look at how they plan on using it. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are two of the top three options to score first, with Trae Young sandwiched between the Orlando pair.
In Carter’s absence, Goga Bitazde has dropped two straight opening tip offs, as that should remain tonight against the Hawks. This is also a boost for Clint Capella who has lost two straight tips of his own, but will win it tonight. Young is the obvious choice here but the weakness for Orlando lies in their front court, so that’s the best place to attack.
Orlando will overcompensate except on Young, so hot shooting Dejounte Murray should get the first look, be it from three or off the dribble. He’s a 7-1 shot on FanDuel with the ability to draw an early shooting foul. The Hawks should set the tone early against Orlando despite the Magic having two of their three best players healthy. It just so happens to be the most exploitable spot for a first basket prop.
Best NBA First Basket Bets Tonight Prop: Dejounte Murray +700 (FanDuel) for 0.25 Units
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