The NBA returns in full force with a huge Wednesday slate, meaning plenty of opportunities to strike on a first basket prop. There are a couple of key points of strategy that allowed us to hit a few last week, and the column looks to keep that momentum going tonight. Winning the tip is huge — especially for bad teams that have a guy who consistently wins the tip. Combining a strong defensive team with a center that wins the jump is usually a recipe for success in identifying the side. Once the team is narrowed down, it’s all about finding the value. Here are the best NBA first basket props tonight.
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NBA First Basket Bets Tonight: Odds & Picks
Celtics-76ers First Basket Bet
A little chalk never hurt anyone — especially when those bets hit. That’s why nobody ever complains after hitting chalk, so don’t expect any disappointment with tonight’s play either. It’s not the obvious big man as defending MVP Joel Embiid hosts the Boston Celtics, rather the guy who has had success against this team — albeit in different uniforms. Kristaps Porzingis is the second favorite to hit the opening bucket — or on FanDuel get to the free-throw line — and should be a top selection across the NBA. He’s fared well against Philadelphia in four games last year, and Boston should go right after Embiid to force any earlier trouble to at least establish a presence other than Jayson Tatum. Porzingis has the ability to stretch, drive or draw a foul and is a versatile option up front that’s been lacking for Boston.
It’s the easiest game plan for any team tonight; win the tip and start feeding Porzingis to allow Tatum and others to take advantage of any extra spacing. That all starts with the first bucket.
Best NBA First Basket Bet Prop: Kristaps Porzingis (FanDuel) for 0.25 Units
Suns-Bulls First Basket Bet
Bradley Beal is expected to debut tonight for the Phoenix Suns, and they have a sneaky weapon when it comes to winning the tip. Jusuf Nurkic has a solid win percentage for opening tips heading into the season. Beal is also expected to start and play some early minutes, so who better than him to take some scoring pressure off Kevin Durant? Beal will immediately have the ball in his hands, and the Suns should ask him to get some early buckets, for his own sake on top of helping Durant. Chicago has some great defensive talent up front, so it might not be best to just immediately pound the ball to Durant. Beal can help soften up some of that interior defense while getting his own rhythm back.
There’s also the matter of the Suns stopping the Bulls on any opening possession, which might get Beal going in transition and ultimately to the free-throw line. Never bet these for free throws, but they are an added advantage for scorers.
Best NBA First Basket Prop: Bradley Beal +500 (FanDuel) for 0.25 Units
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