NBA First Basket Predictions – Top First Basket Scorer Prop Bets

May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after his three point basket against the Boston Celtics in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Image Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

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.

Best NBA First Basket & Points Props Today: Saturday, May 10

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

Jalen Brunson First Basket Scorer (+600)

The Knicks have shockingly jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over the defending champs. Neither win has been easy – despite the Celtics missing an unprecedented number of 3-pointers – but the Knicks are still in the driver’s seat with the series shifting back to New York.

The big question with the Celtics is what can they get from Kristaps Porzingis in Game 3? He left Game 1 early with an illness, and he was limited to just 13.9 minutes in Game 2. He came off the bench instead of occupying his usual spot in the starting lineup, and he was limited to playing in just short bursts.

Porzingis has been removed from the injury report in advance of Game 3, and it’s possible that he regains his spot in the starting lineup. However, that’s not a guarantee. The Celtics lost the tip-off in Game 2 without Porzingis, so his status is going to have an impact on the first-basket odds for Game 3.

Regardless, Brunson stands out as a nice value at +600. He’s been one of the most active first-scorers in basketball, taking the first shot in just under 30% of his outings this season. He’s only managed 10 first scores, but the shot volume is phenomenal for his price tag.

Where to play: Jalen Brunson First Basket Scorer (+600) | FanDuel

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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 free bets:

Top Sportsbooks For NBA First Basket Props

  • FanDuel Sportsbook (click here for our full review)
  • Caesars Sportsbook (click here for our full review)
  • BetMGM (click here for our full review)
  • DraftKings Sportsbook (click here for our full review)

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