NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Monday (1/13)
There’s nothing like sweating a first-basket bet to start an NBA game. That’s why I’ve added multiple first-basket bets for tonight’s NBA slate.
There’s some really good value on the board.
Also, make sure to check out our NBA First Basket Prop Bet Cheat Sheet for help identifying all of today’s best prop bets.
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Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Who will score the first basket in today’s NBA games? We compare historical first-basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets
The Memphis Grizzlies have won the opening tip nearly 77% of the time this season. They’ve already got 24 first baskets to open up the season. While Zach Edey hasn’t been a part of every tip, he’s participated in 17 of them. Edey has been a terrific fit for Memphis this season.
Meanwhile, Edey will face Houston’s Alperen Sengun for the tip. Sengun and the Rockets have won the tip in only 43.2% of games this season. The Rockets have also scored 24 first baskets this season, but that rate should drop if Houston continues to struggle to win the tip consistently.
It’s been mostly Jaren Jackson Jr. doing the early scoring. He’s added the first shot for Memphis in 27.8% of games. He’s also added five first baskets this season. While Desmond Bane has been more efficient, Jackson is the one with the volume. He’s the guy who will likely shoot first for the Grizzlies.
Therefore, let’s back Jackson to score first in tonight’s game.
Pick: Jaren Jackson Jr. (+460)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Behind Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs have won the tip-off in 73% of games this season. Although the Spurs have been super consistent with scoring first, it’s still likely they’ll start the game with the ball and the first shot.
After all, San Antonio is set to face a Lakers squad that has only won the tip in 55.6% of games this season. The Lakers have a few more first baskets as a team, but it’s still more likely that Wembanyama will beat Anthony Davis in tonight’s tip to give the Spurs the first chance to score.
Ultimately, you’d think Wembanyama took the first shot the most for the Spurs. However, it’s actually Jeremy Sochan. He’s taken the first shot in 14.3% of games for the Spurs but only has one first basket. Sochan is in a good spot tonight to score first with the Spurs, though. He’s also due if anyone likes to think like that.
At +900 odds, I’ll take my chances with Sochan to score first for the second time this season.
Pick: Jeremy Sochan (+900)