NBA First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Wednesday (2/12)
There are 15 games on tonight’s NBA slate. Enjoy this moment because after tomorrow there won’t be a slate with more than one game until next Thursday.
Let’s cash a first-basket wager tonight.
Follow along and make sure to check out our NBA First Basket Prop Bet Cheat Sheet for help identifying all of today’s best prop bets.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Who will score the first basket in today’s NBA games? We compare historical first-basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
The Cleveland Cavaliers have mastered the art of winning the tip. Behind Jarrett Allen, they have won the tip more than 81% of the time. That means they have earned the ball first in four out of every five games.
Meanwhile, they’ll take on a Raptors squad that has won the tip in just 48.1% of games. The Raptors have done well with 32 first baskets, but that rate likely won’t continue if they can’t even win the tip 50% of the time.
Cleveland’s lineup has four different players who have scored the first bucket at least six times. The only starter who hasn’t is De’Andre Hunter, who was just acquired at the trade deadline.
That said, Evan Mobley has attempted the first shot in 20% of games and has scored the first basket in 20% of games this season. Despite missing more games than the other three, he’s been the most consistent scorer.
Chances are high the Cavaliers win the tip. So, let’s roll with Mobley to score first.
Pick: Evan Mobley (+480)
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors aren’t starting a center right now. The lineup consists of three guards, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. That’s not going to help their chances of winning the ball first.
After all, the Warriors have only won the tip in 30.2% of games this season. As a result, the Warriors have scored the first basket in 23 games this season.
That’s nothing compared to Dallas’ 32 first baskets. The Mavericks don’t have Anthony Davis or Daniel Gafford. However, P.J. Washington Jr. should be available in tonight’s game. That’s big news, primarily since Washington has scored the first basket in nine games this season.
In addition, the Mavericks have won the tip in 53.7% of games this season. I’ll trust Washington over any Warrior. He’s scored the first basket in 21.4% of games and has attempted the first shot in 21.4% of games. He’s consistent.
Pick: P.J. Washington (+500)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: