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Grizzlies vs. Heat: NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions (Monday)

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After what I hope was a solid weekend for everyone, let’s start the week right by winning some money in first-basket bets. As always, there is a lot of variability when it comes to betting on the first basket but keep in mind, these bets are to maximize your profit in the long run.

Here are my favorite first-basket options for tonight’s slate. And let’s take a closer look at Grizzlies vs. Heat.

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

View 5-star bets and historical prop performance by players with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>

Grizzlies vs. Heat: NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions (Monday)

Ja Morant (+600)

I can’t believe Morant is third on first-basket odds for tonight’s game. This feels like a chalky pick with a combination of solid value – a match made in heaven. 

Steven Adams is questionable with right hip soreness so keep that in mind as you make your bets. Assuming he plays, all the numbers line up well for Memphis. Adams boasts a 77 percent tip win rate over his past two seasons while Memphis holds a 77 percent conversion rate when winning opening tip.

Over 25 percent of first buckets for the Grizzlies have come from the point guard position this year, which makes me more confident in Morant. Miami’s offense isn’t the most electric in the league, ranking 24th, so even if the Heat take down the first tip, I don’t hold too much confidence in them converting either.   

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All opening tip and first basket data courtesy of NBA First Basket (@NBAFirstBasket)

Ryan Coleman is a featured writer at BettingPros. Follow him on Twitter @ryancoleman_98. For more from Ryan, check out his archive.