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First Basket Prop Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday, December 20 (2022)

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There are only five NBA games tonight, but there is no quicker way to get into the action than first-basket betting. Betting the first basket is one of the most simple bets in sports betting. Pick the player to score the first basket of the basketball game to win.

Let us look into the matchups tonight to find the best first-basket bets. Don't blink, or you might miss it.

(All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)

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First Basket Prop Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday, December 20 (2022)

Detroit Pistons vs. Utah Jazz

Both of these teams have been inconsistent regarding the first possession. The Pistons don't have the height, and the Jazz doesn't have the athleticness. That makes the first possession a non-factor tonight because neither team does it consistently. 

The most consistent player on either of these teams is Lauri Markkanen. He can score in numerous ways, and the Pistons do not have the height to stop him. That makes Lauri Markkanen the most likely to get the first basket in tonight’s matchup. 

First Basket: Lauri Markkanen (+500)

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have the advantage with the first possession tonight. Nikola Jokic does a lot well, but winning the tip-off is not one of them. Steven Adams has the highest chance of winning the first possession. 

Ja Morant is the most explosive player in the NBA right now. The Grizzlies play through him, and he can score in different ways. The Grizzlies have multiple players who can score consistently enough that I would lower the number of units, but Morant still has value to score first. 

First Basket: Ja Morant (+550)

Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls had high expectations heading into this season. Those expectations have been short-lived. They are playing poorly and don't look like they will turn it around soon. Their inconsistency gives the Heat an advantage to get the first basket.

Honestly, the Heat doesn't have anyone that consistently looks great on the offensive side of the ball. Tyler Herro is their leading scorer with 21.2 points per game and has the most value tonight. Sometimes it is best to take the player with the most betting value, and tonight that is the case. 

First Basket: Tyler Herro (+500)

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Cameron Lynch is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Cameron, check out his archive and follow him @captron26.

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