NBA First Basket Predictions - Top First Basket Scorer Prop Bets

Looking for the best NBA first basket predictions and best bets 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.

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Best NBA First Basket Predictions Today: Saturday, November 1

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

Franz Wagner First Basket Scorer

The Magic picked up a much-needed win in their last outing. They entered the year with higher expectations than any year since peak Dwight Howard, but they lost four of their first five games. Their offense has been a major red flag – they’re 23rd in the league in offensive efficiency – but their 123-point outburst vs. the Hornets was at least a positive sign.

Despite their offensive struggles, the Magic have actually been really good at getting on the board first this season. That starts in the center circle. They’ve won all six of their tip-offs this season, so they’re absolutely dominating in that area. They’ve also needed just 1.3 field goal attempts per game to record their first basket, which is a pretty lethal combination. Add it all up, and they’ve scored first in five of six outings.

Wagner has been their clear go-to option to start games this season. He’s already recorded three first baskets, and his early-shot volume has been awesome. He’s averaged 1.17 of the team’s first 3.0 attempts.

The Magic get an excellent matchup Saturday vs. the Wizards. Washington has won just 40% of their tip-offs this season, and they remain one of the worst defensive teams in basketball. They’re currently 28th in defensive efficiency, so Orlando has a great chance to capitalize if they win another tip-off. Wagner should be priced at +500 or lower, so I’m happy to take the value at +575.

Pick: Franz Wagner First Basket Scorer (+575)

Draymond Green First Basket Scorer

It’s obviously very early, but the Warriors look like serious contenders in the Western Conference. Steph Curry is still one of the best shooters on the planet. Jimmy Butler is doing everything at a high level. Jonathan Kuminga finally seems to have found a way to fit in this roster.

Green is also still around, and he’s had a pretty typical Draymond start to the season. He’s averaging 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game while providing excellent defense. However, Green has looked much more confident overall as a shooter. He’s knocking down 48.8% of his field goals and 43.5% of his 3-pointers, albeit on minimal volume. If he can keep up that pace, Green can go back to being one of the most important role players in the league.

Green’s offensive efficiency has made him a nice value in the first-basket market to start the year. He’s scored the Warriors’ first basket in three of six games, and one of those was the first basket overall. He’s also averaged 1.17 of the team’s first 3.0 shot attempts.

The Warriors have also been improved on tip-offs this season, winning three of their first six. While that’s far from elite, it gives them a sizable edge over the lowly Pacers. Indiana was one of the worst teams in the league on tips last season, and they’ve won just one of five so far this year. Add in the fact that the Pacers are extremely banged up and struggling on both offense and defense, and the Warriors seem like a great team to target on Saturday.

Pick: Draymond Green First Basket Scorer (+950)

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.

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