Celtics vs. Knicks NBA First Basket Scorers (Saturday)
The Conference Semifinals are heating up with two Game 3’s on Saturday. A great way to get some quick action on these crucial games is with First Baskets. Here are some of my favorite plays of the day for Celtics vs. Knicks.
Saturday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets: Celtics vs. Knicks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Who will score the first basket in today’s NBA games? We compare historical first-basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.
Celtics vs. Knicks
The Knicks have made a habit of come from behind victories in these Playoffs. They now head back to Madison Square Garden with the defending champs on the ropes in a 0-2 hole on the road.
The Celtics will be looking to get off to a strong start again but actually hold onto that lead this time. They should look to Jaylen Brown who has been fantastic in these First Baskets situations all season. Brown's 15 First Baskets is one of the high water marks of the league and his first team shots account for over 40% of the games he's started. He's already been targeted early and often in this series so he's the play for Boston.
On the New York end, I like Mikal Bridges. He has struggled shooting much of the season, but that hasn't stopped New York from going to him early. He's taken New York's first shot in both games in this series. He's quietly been New York's biggest force in First Baskets all year accounting for 11, tied with Towns for the team lead. I like his chances to add to that here.
Picks: Jaylen Brown (+480) & Mikal Bridges (+1100)