NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (3/15)
Friday night is small slate of NBA games but there is plenty of intrigue. In order to get the weekend started off right, let's take a look at a couple First Basket plays to cash an early winner.
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Friday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Hornets
The Suns are playing the second night of a back-to-back so lineups could be in flux. Every game is important coming down the stretch but an opponent like Charlotte won't strike much fear into them. Regardless it's a really good matchup for Phoenix from a First Basket perspective since Charlotte is easily one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to the prop.
There are a couple of decent matchups but the one I like the most is Jusuf Nurkic. Even on a team with a bunch of other superstars, he's had success with this prop. He's already cashed it eight times, which surprisingly leads the Suns' roster. On top of that, he's scored first for Phoenix in 13 games and also leads the team in first field goal attempts. He scored second last night against the Celtics.
In addition to his success, Charlotte has been dreadful against centers when it comes to this prop. They give up the first score to centers at a rate that's approaching one-third of their games. I like them to succumb to Nurkic and add to that number.
Pick: Jusuf Nurkic (+600)
Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors
Orlando is in the home stretch of trying to clinch their first playoff berth in a few years. They should overmatch the Raptors, but don't be surprised if Toronto gets off to the first lead of the game. Despite massive roster turnover this year, they remain one of the best teams in the league at scoring first. They should have a good matchup here.
The Magic have their biggest weakness against opposing centers. This is a welcome development for the new Raptor, Kelly Olynyk. The former Gonzaga star has only cashed one of these this season but he also only has 13 starts. In those 13 starts, he's scored first for his team six times. He's a big man with a strong ability to score. I like him to cash his second First Basket of the season on Friday night.
Pick: Kelly Olynyk (+950)
Atlanta Hawks at Utah Jazz
One steadfast rule that has done me well this season when betting First Baskets is fade the Utah Jazz. No team is worse than them at scoring first. They give their opponent an early lead in nearly 70% of their games. If you're picking one of the five starters against them, you have a good shot cashing your bet.
Naturally I'm focused on the Hawks. There are a couple of really good matchups for Atlanta here, but I like Clint Capela the most. Capela doesn't have a ton of these First Baskets, only six on the season, but Utah struggles against centers and Capela is efficient when he gets his chances.
Injuries have had Atlanta's lineup in a constant state of flux. Capela has been a steady cornerstone and in games he's missed Okongwu has had success with this prop too. Given Utah's deficiencies, it's a great spot for Capela again on Friday.
Pick: Clint Capela (+550)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: