There are nine games on tonight’s NBA slate. That means we’ll get nine first baskets.
I’ve added my favorite two first-basket bets below.
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.
Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons
In tonight’s tip-off between the Raptors and Pistons, Jakob Poeltl will face Jalen Duren. Poeltl has added the tip in only 41% of games, yet the Raptors have still scored first 59% of the time.
On the other hand, Duren has earned the tip in 63% of games, which has led to a first-basket score on 67% of the tips for the Pistons.
If Duren keeps winning the tip 63% of the time, the Pistons can sustain scoring 67% of the time. However, if Poeltl wins only 41% of the time, it’s hard to imagine the Raptors will still score first 59% of the time.
In addition, Duren has already bested Poeltl once this season in a head-to-head matchup.
It’s way more likely the Pistons win the tip and get the first shot.
Toronto has allowed the first basket to point guards 29% of the time and power forwards 29% of the time. We’ll zero in on those two positions with the Pistons.
Typically, the point guard would be Cade Cunningham. However, he’s doubtful for this game due to an injury. Therefore, it’s more likely Jaden Ivey will be the point guard for the Pistons.
Ivey has just one first basket in 17 games. However, he’s still attempted the first field goal for the Pistons in 12% of games. With the ball in his hands more, look for Ivey to score the first basket.
Pick: Jaden Ivey (+650)
Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
In tonight’s tip-off, the Pacers will ride with Myles Turner, who will face Yves Missi of the Pelicans.
Turner has won the tip 60% of the time, and the Pacers have scored first 53% of the time. Meanwhile, Missi has participated in 11 opening tips and has only won the tip in 27% of games. Beyond that, the Pelicans have scored first just 47% of the time.
Turner has already added a tip-off win against Missi earlier this season. He’ll likely win the tip again and help give the Pacers the first shot of the game.
Ultimately, the Pelicans have allowed the first basket 22% of the time to each position except for shooting guard.
While Tyrese Haliburton hasn’t been playing his best ball this season, he’s still added one first basket this season. Haliburton has also added the team’s first field goal attempt in 29% of games this season. That should at least count for something.
Take Haliburton at +800 to score first.
Pick: Tyrese Haliburton (+800)
