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, Dec. 21
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Every day during the NBA regular season and playoffs, we run through our favorite first basket bets and predictions of the night.
Desmond Bane First Basket Scorer (+550)
After a one-year hiatus, the Grizzlies are back to being one of the best teams in basketball. They’re currently sitting at 19-9, good for second place in the competitive Western Conference. They’re coming off a massive 51-point blowout win vs. the Warriors in their last contest, and they scored 144 points despite only one starter playing more than 24 minutes.
The Grizzlies are expected to be a bit shorthanded on Saturday. Ja Morant is currently doubtful with lower back soreness, and his absence would create some value with the rest of the roster. Morant leads the team with a 32.3% usage rate, which is a pretty large hole to fill.
Bane has already been a big threat from a first-basket perspective of late. He’s scored the team’s first basket in four of his past nine outings, and all four have been the first basket of the game. Bane’s volume over that stretch has also been excellent: he’s averaged 1.11 of the team’s first 3.0 shot attempts. Overall, Bane has taken the first shot of the game in 25% of his starts, which is the third-highest mark among Saturday’s players.
The Grizzlies also have an excellent matchup on Saturday. They should be able to win the tip vs. the Hawks, who have won just three of their past 10 tip-offs. Memphis has been one of the best in the league at winning tips this season, controlling the first possession in more than 78.5% of their outings. Atlanta is also a below-average defensive team, so the Grizzlies have a better chance than usual of converting that possession into points.
Add it all up, and +550 feels extremely generous with Bane in this matchup.
Where to play: Desmond Bane First Basket Scorer (+550) | FanDuel
Kris Dunn First Basket Scorer (+1300)
Dunn is a big longshot for the Clippers on Saturday, but I’m not entirely sure why. The Clippers have a big edge in the center circle vs. the Mavericks. They’ve won nine of their past 10 tip-offs, while Dallas has won just five. The Clippers have also gotten on the board first in nine of their past 10 outings.
Dunn has been a frequent first-scorer for them of late. He’s had the team’s first field goal in four of their past 10 contests, and all four have been the first basket of the game. It’s hard to find a player with that kind of track record available at +1300.
Where to play: Kris Dunn First Basket Scorer (+1300) | FanDuel
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
- Fliff (available in 40+ states)
- Bet365 (click here for our full review)
- DraftKings Sportsbook (click here for our full review)
- FanDuel Sportsbook (click here for our full review)
- Caesars Sportsbook (click here for our full review)
- BetMGM (click here for our full review)
Best Fantasy Props Sites For NBA
- Underdog
- PrizePicks
- Betr Picks
- Vivid Picks
- Sleeper Fantasy
- Boom Fantasy
- ParlayPlay
Be sure to check out the Props.com overview of the Best Online Sports Betting Bonuses in the U.S.
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