It’s still early in the NBA season, so it’s not as easy to determine true contenders versus teams dressing up as one for Halloween. Whether it’s the Pelicans shooting out to a quick 2-0 start or the early troubles for an 0-3 Grizzlies squad, the NBA has a tricky way of evening itself out. The good news for anyone betting first basket props is they don’t need a win or loss to cash a ticket, just nail the first person scoring in the game. It’s the quickest sweat in hoops! Here are the best first basket props tonight.
If you’re hungry for more action, check out our NBA betting tools or our NBA betting promos!
First Basket Odds & Best Bet Tonight for Monday, Oct. 30
Magic-Lakers First Basket Odds & Pick Tonight
The Lakers will host the Magic after a late-night affair Sunday in Sacramento. Despite playing on the second leg of a back-to-back and a loss in overtime, Los Angeles should be fine overall in handling the Magic. Orlando has a decent chance of keeping things close in the first half, as it has been playing exceptionally well on the defensive side of the floor. Ultimately, Anthony Davis should pick right up where he left off against the Kings, and everyone on Los Angeles — especially LeBron James — should be looking to get Davis a bucket right away. He has a great chance of hitting the free-throw line first too, which is included when betting this prop on FanDuel. The book also has the best number for Davis at +480. It might be a long night for scoring, as it’s the only way Orlando can stay in this game, but it won’t keep Davis off the box — bet him first basket.
Best First Basket Prop: Anthony Davis +480 (FanDuel)
Longshot First Basket Bet Tonight
It’s been a frustrating start from a scoring standpoint for Dennis Schroder but not from a lack of trying. The new Raptors guard exploded for 22 points in the season opener — a win against Minnesota — but has since struggled despite volume from the floor. The number of shots available for Schroder shouldn’t change tonight against a pathetic Portland squad, as the Trail Blazers might be the worst team in the NBA. Toronto comes off a loss against its former head coach, while the Blazers were just routed by that same 76ers team. The Raptors should win the tip against Deandre Ayton, allowing Schroder to set up the first offensive set. The edge here for an 11-1 long shot lies in the combination of volume and aggression from Toronto’s new point guard. There’s a healthy green light available for shots, and an early bucket from anyone other than Pascal Siakam will help put early pressure on the Blazers. It’s a smart play for the Raptors to push Schroder to score first, making it a good bet at +1100 odds.
Best First Basket Prop: Dennis Schroeder +1100 (FanDuel)
OddsShopper’s NBA Tools & Tips
Looking for more 2023-24 NBA predictions? OddsShopper’s experts are here to break down this NBA season — make sure to check out the rest of our NBA articles. Still need more picks? Subscribe to OddsShopper Premium for our market-based betting model’s picks and best bets.
