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Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (10/26)

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There are plenty of basketball games to bet on tonight. If you’re looking for that quick-hitter where you only need to sweat things out for about a minute, this is the article for you.

I’ve got some exciting options for players to score the game’s first basket. Let us know if you’re tailing!

Top NBA First Basket Odds, Picks & Predictions

Evan Fournier

Evan Fournier is pretty much the fifth option on the Knicks. But he never has a problem taking three-point shots. I love looking at discrepancies between multiple sportsbooks to know I’m getting the best value on a player.

Evan Fournier is listed at +1000 on FanDuel, while DraftKings is at +750. Caesars is also sitting at +850. So there’s clear value on Fournier to earn the first basket.

He’s already done it this season with a three-point ball to start things off earlier in the year. With his average odds at about +850, we’re getting solid value at +1000 if you’re looking to take a long shot.

Bet: Evan Fournier (+1000 at FanDuel) 

Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield is a volume shooter for the Indiana Pacers. He’ll likely be traded at the deadline, but he’s an Indiana Pacer for now.

At FanDuel, Hield is projected to be the first scorer for the Pacers, with odds at +550 to score the first basket. Meanwhile, Caesars is giving us Buddy Hield at +1000 odds to score the first bucket.

There’s a significant discrepancy, and I’m ready to attack it. Other major books also have Hield at +550 odds and believe Hield is the top candidate to score the first bucket for the Pacers.

So I’ll grab that +1000 on Caesars.

Bet: Buddy Hield (+1000 at FanDuel)

Joel Embiid

Embiid is one of the most consistent first-basket scorers in the NBA. The 76ers feed him early and try to get Embiid comfortable right after the tip.

Even at +340, there’s value for Embiid to score the first basket. Other books are as low as +300 for Embiid to score first. In his most recent game with the Sixers, Embiid only took 13 shots. He found a way to get to the foul line often.

But look for his volume to shoot up in a projected close game against the Raptors. In his previous two games today, he was looking for his shot much more, taking over 20 shots in each of those games.

I took a couple of long shots above. I’ll ride Embiid as my other option, knowing he’s usually taking that first shot for the Sixers.

Bet: Joel Embiid (+340 at FanDuel)

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