The best way to win in the NBA is to score the first points, so let's look at which players could do that for their team today with our top NBA first basket scorers picks and predictions.
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Sunday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorers & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 1 delivered an exciting finish, as once again, the Pacers made a late comeback that ended with a Tyrese Haliburton basket to help them steal the first game on the road. This series is far from over, as Oklahoma City has the talent to make this into a series.
The first basket seems to be a curse for these two teams because in all three matchups this season, the losing team has gotten the first points of the game. Secondly, getting the first possession doesn't equate to getting the first basket because in only one of the three games this year has a team scored on the first possession of the game.
The Thunder have been great at bouncing back after a tough loss, and they have only lost back-to-back games twice this season. They will be as aggressive as they were at the start of Game 1, and they could grab the initial possession. Oklahoma City needs other guys besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to step up, and after a quiet Game 2 with only six points, Chet Holmgren could bounce back. He has two first baskets in the playoffs and tied for the team lead with 29% of the first field goals taken.
Pick: Chet Holmgren (+500)
