Matt LaMarca

NBA First Basket Predictions – Top First Basket Scorer Prop Bets

Nov 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives for the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.
Image Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Looking for the best NBA first basket predictions today? You’re in luck! In this article, the Props crew will outline their top NBA first basket picks for every day of the basketball season.

We mean it, because we deliver our best bets for every day there’s a game on the calendar. No load management here!

Below are our best NBA first basket predictions today. Be sure to check our NBA player props for more top selections for the current NBA slate.

Best NBA First Basket & Points Props Today: Wednesday, Nov. 20

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Every day during the NBA regular season and playoffs, we run through our favorite first basket bets and predictions of the night.

Damian Lillard First Basket Scorer (+450)

Things have not gone as expected for the Bucks to start the year. They’ve won just five of their first 14 games, and they’re currently sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. They have plenty of time to turn things around, but this does not look like the same team that has contended for the top spot in the East over the past few seasons.

The good news is that their star PG is back in the lineup after missing some time with injury. Lillard returned for the team’s last contest, and he had 18 points and 10 assists in a big win over the Rockets. They’ve now won three of their past four games, so perhaps they’re starting to turn things around.

One area where the Bucks have excelled this year is the first basket department. They’ve won the opening tip in 71.4% of their contests, and they’ll have a big advantage over the Bulls on Wednesday. Chicago has won the tip in just one of their past 10 games, and they’ve scored first in just three of their past 10.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the Bucks’ best player, he’s yet to attempt the first shot this season. Lillard has done so in 20% of his outings, and he’s scored the team’s first bucket in three of his past seven starts. Overall, he seems like the better option to target, especially given the large price differential.

Where to play: Damian Lillard First Basket Scorer (+450) | FanDuel

Zaccharie Risascher First Basket Scorer (+900)

The Hawks have been a frequent “longshot” target for me in the first-basket market. They’re really good at winning tip-offs – they’ve won eight of their past 10 – and they’ve also been really efficient at getting on the board first.

The Hawks also routinely have a few guys priced very favorably, including Risascher on Wednesday. He’s scored the team’s first basket in five of their past 10 games, and four have been the first basket of the game. Those are elite figures, especially for someone priced at +900.

Where to play: Zaccharie Risascher First Basket Scorer (+900) | FanDuel

Where To Place NBA First Basket Bets

The following sportsbooks have more than enough options to satisfy your NBA First Basket needs. As outlined before, always shop around for the best price for NBA First Basket Bets.

On top of that, our team spent the time to find the best available bonus offers at each listed sportsbook. If you are new to any of these betting apps, be sure to use our exclusive links and promo codes to claim your free bets:

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Also check out the Props.com overview of the Best Online Sports Betting Bonuses in the U.S.

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Take a look at the Props.com NBA Betting Guide and Guide To Prop Betting for more on how to bet on world’s premier professional basketball league.

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