Let's look at some of the players who could score the first points of the game on the limited Sunday slate.
Sunday's Best NBA First Basket Prop Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
The Magic and Celtics will meet again for the third time and second in three days. The series is tied, and this will be the rubber match as the final time they'll meet in the regular season. The Celtics are the top team in many categories, and one of them is first baskets, as their 73.4% first-basket rate leads the league. Jaylen Brown is one of the top first basket scorers, and he's been at or near the top in that category over the last few years.
Pick: Jaylen Brown (+600)
New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs
The Pelicans are on a nice run at the moment, winning four of their last five. However, the big news comes out of San Antonio, who snapped their 18-game losing streak with their Friday night win against the Lakers. You would believe that having someone like Wembanyana would be excellent at tip wins and first baskets, but the Spurs’ 43.4% first-basket rate is 21st. The Pelicans have been much better at a 52% rate. Jonas Valanciunas against Wemby will be a fun matchup to watch, and New Orleans isn't afraid to give him the ball as JV leads the team in first-shot percentage.
Pick: Jonas Valanciunas (+550)
Houston Rockets at Milwaukee Bucks
We have a matchup with both teams playing very well as the Rockets have won five straight and the Bucks have won four of five. Houston’s breakout season comes from their defense, and Milwaukee changed their identity from being a defensive-centric team to now focusing on their scoring. This has led to them being one of the better first basket teams as their 66.6% is the third-highest and Giannis has three of those.
Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+320)
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