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: Tuesday, November 25

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

Injuries 11/25

ATL:
Luke Kennard – Questionable
Trae Young – Out

WAS:
Kyshawn George – Questionable
Marvin Bagley – Questionable
Tre Johnson – Out

ORL:
Paolo Banchero – Out
Moe Wagner – Out

PHI:
Tyrese Maxey – Probable
Joel Embiid – Questionable
Paul George – Probable
VJ…
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 25, 2025

Austin Reaves First Basket Scorer

The Lakers are another team looking to integrate a veteran back into their lineup. LeBron James has missed most of the early season, but he’s returned for the team’s past two outings. He’s averaged 32 minutes in those contests, and he’s chipped in 14.0 points, 10.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game.

The offense was thriving with Reaves and Luka Doncic leading the way, so it will be up to James and the coaching staff to integrate him in as smoothly as possible. Fortunately, James is a certified basketball genius, so he should be able to work in any system.

Reaves is an interesting first-basket option on Tuesday. On paper, he’s going to slide down to the No. 3 option on offense with James back in the fold. That said, he’s still posted a healthy 24.9% usage rate in his first two games alongside LeBron and Luka.

Reaves has been among the Lakers’ best first-basket values this season. He’s scored the first bucket in three of his 13 starts, and he’s averaged 0.77 of the team’s first 3.0 shot attempts. That’s pretty solid volume for a player available at +850.

The Lakers will be without starting center Deandre Ayton on Tuesday, but that shouldn’t hurt them too much on the opening tip. Jaxson Hayes is more than capable in that department, and the Clippers are not a particularly intimidating matchup. They’ve won less than 30% of their tips for the year, and they also struggled with Ivica Zubac at center last season.

Pick: Austin Reaves First Basket Scorer (+850)

Tyrese Maxey First Basket Scorer

I originally had Paul George written here, but he was unexpectedly ruled out. With George, Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre, and VJ Edgecombe all ruled out, the dream of the 76ers being closer to full strength will have to wait.

It leaves Maxey as the team’s clear No. 1 option offensively, and they’ve still been very competitive on tip-offs with Andre Drummond in the middle. This +600 tag is a pretty fair price for Maxey, all things considered.

Pick: Tyrese Maxey First Basket Scorer (+600)

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: