Cavaliers vs. Celtics: NBA First Basket Scorer Picks (Wednesday)
As a 15.5-point favorite, the Boston Celtics will need a fast start to cover in Game 5 against the Cavaliers. At this point, Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen are both questionable with the Cavaliers. But that’s not a good enough reason to back the Celtics in the first-basket market.
I’ll break down the NBA first basket scorer market for that game, along with the Mavericks-Thunder Game 5 matchup below.
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NBA First Basket Scorer: Cavaliers vs. Celtics
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Cavaliers vs. Celtics First Basket Scorer
There were rumblings about Jarrett Allen returning in Game 4, but he didn’t. In addition to Allen sitting out, Donovan Mitchell was too banged up to play in Game 4 as well.
Therefore, the Cavaliers will likely be stuck with Evan Mobley for the tip against Al Horford of the Celtics. Mobley has already been the tip-man in seven games in the playoffs. In those seven games, Mobley has won the tip in 71% of games, helping the Cavaliers score first in 64% of playoff games this year.
On the other hand, Al Horford has only won the tip in 40% of games after participating in the opening tip five times. However, in the playoffs, the Celtics have scored first in 78% of games.
Still, I’d rather the team that has the better chance of winning the tip and taking the first shot. That’s the Cavaliers.
In the regular season, the Celtics allowed the first basket to go to the point guard in 30% of games. Darius Garland is healthy and will be the leading-scorer for the Cavaliers if Allen and Mitchell are out. Therefore, let’s back Darius Garland to score first in Game 5.
NBA First Basket Scorer Bet: Darius Garland (+1000)