Matt LaMarca

NBA First Basket Predictions – Top First Basket Scorer Prop Bets

Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards (5) warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Image Credit: Soobum Im-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: Thursday, Nov. 21

MORE PROPS: NFL | NBA | NHL | PGA | CFB

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

Anthony Edwards First Basket Scorer (+600)

The Timberwolves were one of the biggest surprises in basketball last season. They were expected to maybe contend for a spot in the play-in tournament, but they ended up finishing second in the Western Conference. They were the best defensive team in basketball, while Edwards blossomed into a down-ballot MVP candidate.

The team underwent some change this offseason, shipping Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. The early results haven’t been great, with the team currently sitting at 8-6 and in sixth place in the Western Conference.

However, Edwards continues to improve. He’s up to 28.1 points per game this season, which would represent a new career-high. He’s done that despite posting a slightly lower usage rate than he did last year, so his improvement has been based on efficiency more than volume.

Edwards is unsurprisingly one of the Timberwolves’ top options in the first-basket department. He’s taken the first shot of the game in three of his 13 outings, and he’s scored first on three separate occasions.

The Timberwolves are taking on the Raptors on Thursday in a matchup that looks pretty even in the center circle. Both teams have won the opening tip in four of their past 10 contests, and while the Timberwolves have scored first in six of them, the Raptors aren’t far behind at five.

Still, getting Edwards at +600 feels like a value. The Raptors are in the bottom half of the league in offensive efficiency, so even if they get the first possession, there’s no guarantee they will capitalize.

Where to play: Anthony Edwards First Basket Scorer (+600) | FanDuel

Tim Hardaway Jr. First Basket Scorer (+950)

The Pistons have one of the best matchups on this slate from a first-basket perspective. They’re taking on the Hornets, who have won just 28.6% of their tip-offs this season. The Pistons have won seven of their past 10, so they have a sizable edge in that department.

The Pistons also don’t have a go-to first-scorer, opting instead for a committee approach. Hardaway has just one first-basket for the year, but he has taken the first shot of the game in three of his 12 starts. He provides some value at +950.

Where to play: Tim Hardaway Jr. First Basket Scorer (+950) | BetMGM

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:

Top Sportsbooks For NBA First Basket Props

Best Fantasy Props Sites For NBA

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

Best Online Sportsbook Bonuses

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.

Also check out these Props.com resources on sportsbook bonuses by state:

More NBA Props & Bets

Best NBA Player Props Today – Top NBA Prop Bets (Daily Picks)

Best Offers for Ohio

1
REBET
100% Deposit Match Up To $100
Enter Promo Code: PROPS
100% Deposit Match Up To $100
Enter Promo Code: PROPS
CLAIM OFFERCLAIM OFFER