NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Friday (12/27)
Friday's NBA action is a jam-packed slate with plenty of games on the schedule. This means there is a lot of opportunity to find plays for any NBA fan or bettor. Here are a few valuable First Basket plays if you want to get in on the action early Friday.
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Friday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics
This Eastern Conference Final rematch has lost a lot of luster since the Pacers got off to a slow start on the season. They've struggled because they get off to slow starts in their games. The Pacers have scored first in less than half of their games, and for a team that relies on its offense, this is a problem. They'll have their hands full again against a strong Boston offense.
During the season, Boston hasn't been as successful with First Baskets as it has been in past years, but it's been a bit better in recent weeks. Despite the loss on Christmas, they tallied another First Basket against the 76ers. I like them to do the same here, and I'll be backing Jaylen Brown.
Brown has only scored a First Basket in four games this year, but he's been the Celtics' first scorer nine times. Indiana struggles against wings, so this is also a great matchup for Brown. I like Boston to look to him early and for him to cash us an early First Basket.
Pick: Jaylen Brown (+460)
Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans
There were many questions about how college basketball star Zach Edey would translate to the NBA. The early returns have been very positive, especially regarding First Baskets. The former national player of the year has only started 13 games this year, but he has four first-team scores and three First-Baskets.
New Orleans has had many problems this year, but one of the biggest issues has been giving up opposing first scores to centers. Nearly one-third of the games they've played this year have seen their opponent's center score first. Edey, being a matchup nightmare, makes this a very intriguing play.
So long as Edey remains hot in First Baskets, I'll be backing him, especially in these matchups. Clearly, the Grizzlies like to go to him early to get the offense started, and the books haven't quite caught up. Let's take him now while there is still plenty of value.
Pick: Zach Edey (+700)
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
The Warriors gave us one of the most thrilling finishes of the Christmas Day slate when they nearly beat the Lakers. They'll take on Los Angeles's other team on Friday as they travel to take on the Clippers. Recently, the Clippers have been a really strong First Basket team, and I'll be backing them again on plenty of rest.
Looking at the numbers, one of the Warriors’ biggest weaknesses in these early possessions is centers. The Clippers have a center in Ivica Zubac, who has already had some success with this prop. In 30 starts, Zubac scored first for the Clippers nine times, which resulted in five First Baskets.
Zubac has a great matchup with the Warriors. After an emotional game on Wednesday, I can see them coming out a bit sluggish after the travel. Los Angeles is plenty rested and should look to get Zubac going early. I'll be backing him to add to his First-Basket totals.
Pick: Ivica Zubac (+500)