Let's look at some of the players who could score the first points of the game on the Sunday slate.
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Sunday's Best NBA First Basket Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Los Angeles and Minnesota is a matchup to pay attention to, as they could eventually meet in the playoffs. This could be a tough matchup for both sides, especially the Clippers, as the T-Wolves have the top adjusted defensive rating in the league. Minnesota has the better first-basket percentage, and Rudy Gobert has the better tip-win percentage over Ivica Zubac. The Timberwolves have two premium big men, and Towns has been the guy they look to for the first basket because of his shooting range.’
Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns (+400)
Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Eastern Conference is looking tough with a lot of teams that are in contention. The Heat are a part of that mix, but even at 22-16, they are seventh in the conference. They get a chance to pick up a win against the conference bottom-feeders in the Hornets. They, by far, hold the advantage in tip wins and first-basket percentage. Bam Adebayo is the guy who handles the tip-off and has won 63% of the time but leads the team with 10 first baskets. The center position is where the Hornets allow the most baskets, too.
Pick: Bam Adebayo (+240)
Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers
The Nuggets are looking good to defend their championship as they sit just a game behind the top spot in the Western Conference. This will be their first matchup against the Pacers of the week, and this is an excellent spot to see a lot of offense. This is also a good spot for them to get a first basket, as Indiana has the eighth-worse first-basket rate in the league. Nikola Jokic leads the team in the first basket with 13, but in second place is Porter Jr. with seven. We're seeing that at small forward is where the Pacers are more vulnerable; they are allowing the second-most per game to the position and allowing the most first baskets.
Pick: Michael Porter Jr. (+550)
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