Bulls vs. Heat: NBA Play-In Game First Basket Scorer Picks (Friday)

Friday night will decide the final two first-round matchups for the NBA Playoffs. Given what we saw in the Play-In games on Tuesday and Wednesday, we should get two exciting games. I've dug into the matchups to find some First Basket plays that I’m certainly sold on.

Season to Date: 15-39-5, +7.64 units

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Friday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat

The Bulls will travel to Miami with the Eastern Conference 8-seed up for grabs. During the regular season, Bam Adebayo won two of three opening tips in these matchups, and we saw three different First Basket scorers. Season-long data indicates the Heat have a large advantage as Adebayo was much more successful on tip-offs all year. All of this points to Miami Heat players for Friday night.

The Bulls had their most significant weakness against opposing centers during the season. This would typically point to Adebayo, but the matchups on the season have me going elsewhere. Against Chicago, Miami took all nine of their first three field goals from guards and wings. Tyler Herro took three of these field goals.

Herro isn't necessarily the leading Heat player in First Baskets, but it's clear Miami will look to his scoring in this game. In the matchup with Atlanta, he attempted 23 field goals, and I expect him to put up shots early and often. He's more of a longshot than some Heat players, but there is a lot of value on Herro in this spot.

Pick: 0.25u on Tyler Herro (+600)

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