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 & Points Props Today: Thursday, Mar. 27
Every day during the NBA regular season and playoffs, we run through our favorite first basket bets and predictions of the night.
Luka Doncic Basket Scorer (+550)
We rode with Doncic yesterday on the first leg of a back-to-back and ultimately came up short. The Lakers did secure the first possession, but Doncic lobbed one to Jaxson Hayes for the first basket of the game. Doncic has still managed just one first basket since joining the Lakers, but I’m going right back to the well on Thursday.
For starters, the Lakers are in another great spot to get the ball first. They’re taking on the Bulls, who have been one of the worst teams in the league on tip-offs this season. They’ve won less than 20% of their tips, and Hayes has a massive edge over Nikola Vucevic in that department.
Doncic also continues to shoot the ball at an elite frequency. That’s not a huge shocker. He’s been one of the best scorers in basketball basically ever since landing in the USA, and he’s averaged 27.6 points in 19 games with Los Angeles.
Despite his lack of first scores, Doncic has also been aggressive to start games. He’s taken the first shot in 21.1% of his outings with the Lakers, and he’s averaged 1.13 of the team’s first 3.0 shot attempts across his past eight starts. It’s only a matter of time before the first baskets start falling if he continues to possess that type of volume.
There’s also a chance that the Lakers are a bit thinner than usual on the second leg of a back-to-back. Specifically, LeBron James just recently returned to the lineup. He’s played big minutes in the past two games, so while I don’t think it’s likely that he will rest, it is a possibility. Regardless, +550 feels like a solid price tag.
Where to play: Luka Doncic Basket Scorer (+550) | FanDuel
Scotty Pippen Jr. First Basket Scorer (+900)
The Grizzlies have a chance to make a statement on Thursday. They’re taking on the Thunder, who have been the best team in the league this season. They’re currently leading the West by 13.5 games, while the Grizzlies are locked in a battle for seeding. Memphis currently sits in fifth place in the conference, but they’re only 1.0 game behind the Nuggets for the No. 3 seed.
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies are going to have to deal with the continued absence of Ja Morant. He’ll miss his sixth-straight game, and going against the juggernaut Thunder at less than full strength isn’t an ideal formula.
Morant’s absence means Pippen should retain a spot in the starting lineup. He’s proven to be a capable producer when given the opportunity, and he’s scored the team’s first bucket in one of his recent starts. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. handle most of the first-scoring responsibilities for Memphis, but Pippen is a much better player than this price tag suggests.
Where to play: Scotty Pippen Jr. First Basket Scorer (+900) | 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.
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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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