NBA First Basket Scorer Predictions: Grizzlies vs. Suns (Tuesday)
There are only four games on Tuesday's NBA slate, but we still have some top NBA first basket scorer picks to lock in! Before the action tips off, let's target predictions for the Grizzlies vs. Suns and the Pistons vs. Bulls matchups.
NBA first-basket bets are quick and easy ways to place wagers with bigger payouts – and you’ll know if they cash right away. Let’s try to find some winners for a pair of games on Tuesday night. 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, February 11’s game Grizzlies vs. Suns.
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Tuesday's Best NBA First Basket Bets: Grizzlies vs. Suns
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Memphis Grizzlies at Phoenix Suns
The marquee matchup on tonight's NBA slate features Phoenix hosting Memphis in the late TNT game. Before you enjoy the Western Conference showdown, let's dive into which team and player might score the first basket.
Memphis immediately has an edge to gain the first possession and score. At 7-foot-4, rookie center Zach Edey is a true difference-maker on jump balls and it's translating directly to the first basket scorer prop. The Grizzlies have a 73.1% win rate on opening tip-offs this season with Edey taking the majority. They've also scored the first basket in 34-of-52 games (65.4%).
Edey has an impressive 21-9 record on opening tips this year. Notably, he's lost three tips to Victor Wembanyama (completely understandable). So, Edey boasts an elite 77.8% win rate on tip-offs against anyone not named Wemby.
Meanwhile, Nick Richards has a poor 2-9 record on his opening tips since becoming the Suns' starting center via trade. Richards also has just a 6-14 record on tips this season overall between Charlotte and Phoenix. Edey should win the tip vs. Richards, giving Memphis a great shot at scoring first.
As for the Grizzlies' scoring options, Desmond Bane leads the team in made first baskets (12) and first baskets per game started (29.3%). Plus, his 22.0% first shot percentage is second only to Ja Morant's 23.3% this year. Let's roll with Bane to cash the first basket scorer prop.
Pick: Desmond Bane (+600)