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NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/25)

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We’ve got a loaded slate in the NBA tonight. There are 10 games to choose from, with every spread sitting at single digits.

But we’re not too worried about the outcome of every game tonight. Instead, we’ll focus on the first basket scorer.

Here are our other top picks for Wednesday:

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Today’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Player Prop Bets

We’ll be tracking out first-basket bets below, starting today.

Season record: 0-0

All wagers are one unit

Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have already played the Indiana Pacers twice this season. In both games, Orlando won the tip. However, the Magic still only scored first once in those two games. Tyrese Haliburton scored the first basket for the Pacers back on Nov. 21.

Haliburton will likely be unavailable tonight. Plus, the Magic have won 60% of the tip this season and have attempted the first shot 53% of the time. Compare that to Indiana winning the tip just 37% of the time.

The Magic have also hit 53% of first baskets, while the Pacers have nailed just 41%. Orlando should be able to win the tip a third time and earn the first basket.

Wendell Carter Jr. has attempted six first shots and has made all six of his attempts. He’s sitting at +450 and has the highest probability of scoring first. It also makes the most sense with his efficiency in this market.

Bet: Wendell Carter Jr. (+450)

Washington Wizards vs. Houston Rockets

The Wizards and Rockets will play against one another for the first time this season. However, Washington has a major edge heading into this game to score first.

The Wizards have won the tip 70% of the time, while the Rockets have won the tip 34% of the time. Washington has also attempted the first shot 66% of the time and has made the first basket 60% of the time. Meanwhile, Houston has only attempted the first shot in 32% of games. Houston’s defense has been a bit better in opening games, as they’ve still scored 51% of first baskets.

But still, the Wizards have a clear advantage and should at least attempt the first shot in this game.

With Kristaps Porzingis unlikely to play, Kyle Kuzma is the top man on this list. He’s taken eight first shots and has made six first baskets this season. Kuzma is a heavy-volume shooter and will likely waste no time tonight.

Bet: Kyle Kuzma (+550)

Denver Nuggets vs. Milwaukee Bucks

We’ll look at the Nuggets vs. Bucks matchup for our last play. Milwaukee has won the tip 68% of the time, while the Nuggets have won just 44% of the time.

Milwaukee has also attempted the first shot in 68% of games, proving that the Bucks won’t turn the ball over if they win possession first. That would mean they’ll at least attempt a shot if they win the tip.

The Bucks have been pretty spread out in this market. But going with Giannis Antetokounmpo would be the best bet. He’s attempted five first shots and has nailed seven first baskets.

Bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+310)

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