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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/11)

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With an eight-game NBA slate tonight, there are plenty of games to watch and wager on.

Tonight, we’ll be looking at the first-basket market. If a game starts at 7:30, you’ll know if you’ve won your bet within the first minute of the game. It’s a major adrenaline rush. But there are also data to support these types of bets.

Here are a few bets to consider for tonight’s NBA slate.

Here are all of our picks for Wednesday:

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Top NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/11)

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Detroit Pistons

The Minnesota Timberwolves have won the tip 73% of the time compared to Detroit, who have won the tip just 39% of the time. Minnesota has also taken the first shot 71% of the time and has made the first basket 63% of the time. Meanwhile, Detroit has only nailed 39% of first baskets on 41% of first shots.

Minnesota has a much higher percentage of earning the tip and scoring, despite Detroit scoring first in their only head-to-head game this season.

D’Angelo Russell has taken eight first shots and has made six first baskets this season. He’s got more first shots than Rudy Gobert but two fewer first baskets. Let’s take a chance on Russell tonight.

Bet: D’Angelo Russell (+480)

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards have a much higher chance of earning the first basket in this game. The Bulls have won the tip just 27% of the time this season and have attempted the first shot in only 34% of games. Chicago has still earned 46% of first baskets, but the Bulls are usually not the first ones with the ball.

Washington has won the tip 66% of the time and has taken the first shot 61% of the time. The Wizards have also hit 54% of first baskets, which is three more than the Bulls this year.

Ironically, the Bulls have earned the first basket in both games against the Wizards this year. But the percentages still give Washington a better chance at scoring first.

Kristaps Porzingis has attempted nine first shots and has scored seven first baskets. He’s the most consistent first scorer for the Wizards this season… but he’ll be out. Therefore, Kyle Kuzma is the best option. He’s added seven first shots and has made three first baskets.

Bet: Kyle Kuzma (+440)

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Bucks and Hawks have already faced off three times this year. The Bucks won the tip in all three games but only added the first basket in one of those three games. Still, the Bucks have a much higher probability of scoring first in this game. Milwaukee has earned 65% of tips and has attempted the first shot in 70% of games this year.

Meanwhile, the Hawks have only won the tip 43% of the time with 45% of first shots. Most people would assume Giannis Antetokounmpo would be the go-to guy early.

However, Brook Lopez has the most first shots attempted on the Bucks. He’s also made three first baskets. At +700, it’s worth giving him a look.

Bet: Brook Lopez (+700)

Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section — including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners â€” or head to more advanced strategy — like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread â€” to learn more.

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