NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Tuesday (Timberwolves vs. Thunder)
The NBA Western Conference Finals start Tuesday night. Let’s lock in our NBA first-basket scorer picks as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the series.
NBA first-basket bets are quick and easy ways to place wagers with bigger payouts, and you'll know if they cash right away. Check out our predictions for the Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 1 matchup tonight.
Note that all betting lines are accurate as of writing, but shop around for the best odds. Enjoy these NBA first-basket picks and predictions for Tuesday, May 20th.
Tuesday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder
The lone NBA playoff matchup on Tuesday features the Thunder hosting the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Let's break down which team and player can cash our first-basket scorer prop as the series gets underway.
In the regular season, Oklahoma City won the opening tip-off in all four meetings against Minnesota. The Thunder also scored the first points in three of those four games. It's worth noting that none of those games featured a head-to-head tip-off matchup of Chet Holmgren versus Rudy Gobert, which is what we'll likely see in Game 1.
Even so, Holmgren could have the slight edge on the opening tip here. The Thunder center went 3-1 on tip-offs versus Gobert last year when the two met. Plus, Gobert won just two of the five tip-offs against the Warriors in the last round. That's notable with Golden State's lack of size at the center spot.
The Thunder have scored 52 first baskets as a team this year compared to 45 for the Timberwolves. That slightly favors the home squad in this series opener. Plus, Minnesota may be a bit out of sync to start the game after being off since last Wednesday.
As for Oklahoma City, let's target Holmgren to score first. His 21.4% first-shot percentage and 19% first baskets per start rate lead the team this year. He also trails only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the team lead in made first baskets this season.
Pick: Chet Holmgren (+600)