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NBA First Basket Predictions – Top First Basket Scorer Prop Bets

Scott Krones

Scott Krones

Last updated: March 10, 2026

Jalen Green NBA

Looking for the best NBA first basket predictions and top first points plays today? You’re in luck! In this article, the Props crew will outline their top NBA first basket picks and bets 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.

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Tuesday, March 10th

Let’s dive into Tuesday’s NBA schedule from a DFS and betting perspective.

Most important injury situations of the day:

OUT

Ja Morant
Joel Embiid
Paul George
Tyrese Maxey
Anthony Davis
Kyshawn George
D’Angelo Russell
Norman Powell
Andrew Wiggins
Michael Porter Jr.
Fred VanVleet
Dillon Brooks
Mark Williams
Kevin Porter Jr.
Harrison Barnes
Moses Moody
Stephen Curry
Al Horford
Kristaps Porzingis
Coby White
Shaedon Sharpe
Anfernee Simons
T.J. McConnell
Pascal Siakam
Ivica Zubac
Keegan Murray

QUESTIONABLE

Jonathan Kuminga
Kel’el Ware
Payton Pritchard
Collin Sexton
LeBron James
VJ Edgecombe
Cedric Coward
Ty Jerome
Scotty Pippen Jr.

DOUBTFUL

Andrew Nembhard

(Last Updated: 11:15 AM ET)

Highest opening tipoff win percentages on this slate (via BettingPros):

Spurs (75.0%)
Suns (71.9%)
Heat (58.5%)
Nets (57.8%)
76ers (54.7%)

Highest first shot percentages, filtered for today’s projected starters (min 20 starts):

Brandon Miller (48 Starts, 31.3% First Shot)
Bam Adebayo (55 Starts, 27.3% First Shot)
Cedric Coward (35 Starts, 22.9% First Shot)
Victor Wembanyama (40 Starts, 22.5% First Shot)
Michael Porter Jr. (51 Starts, 21.6% First Shot)
Jerami Grant (29 Starts, 20.7% First Shot)
RJ Barrett (38 Starts, 18.4% First Shot)

This article will be updated throughout the day. Check back later!

Editor’s Note: Did you know DFS pick’em apps like Underdog and Sleeper are live in many states where online sports betting isn’t yet legal? Use promo code PROPS to get top-tier sign-up bonuses!

NBA First Points Picks & Longshots

Our first basket plays, featuring a mix of shorter/longer odds

Quick notes: Because success in the NBA is so dependent on news and making the correct reactions, it’s often prudent to wait for more clarity before making picks.

That’s especially true for a market like first basket, where starting lineups and even the smallest of changes can affect the best value. The exception would be if you feel strongly that a certain player will/will not play and want to get ahead of potential line movement.

Here are our top targets for today:

Cade Cunningham First Points (+550)
Kevin Durant First Points (+675)

Check back for finalized picks and analysis. Good luck!

IMPORTANT: Remember that while first points plays are fun, they are also inherently riskier, longer-shot bets. Please be responsible with your bankroll management and general approach!

Read through more of our NBA player props content for the 2025/26 season. As always, everything is 100% free:

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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 bonus bets:

Top Sportsbooks For NBA First Basket Props

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Be sure to 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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