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NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bet Picks & Predictions: Sunday (3/5)

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First baskets are always fun because it’s a big payoff if you hit them. Let’s see who is grabbing the first score on the Sunday slate.

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Sunday:

Sunday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have hit a rough patch losing seven of their last ten, and as a result, have dropped to 11th in the standings. They continue to ride the back of their defense, allowing the tenth fewest points in the league, but they’re off-balanced by scoring the tenth fewest.

The Pacers were in the thick of the Eastern Conference but plummeted after going 5-17 and are now in 12th. They’re one of the faster-paced offenses in the league, and that’s been the key for them grabbing the last two wins in this series.

In the three games, Myles Turner has the 2-1 advantage in the tip-off, but Chicago has the first-basket advantage. Vucevic had the first basket in the last game and leads the team with 12.

Pick: Nikola Vucevic (+400)

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Barring a collapse, the Grizzlies will make the playoffs. The team has been streaky throughout the season and has dealt with injuries. They’ll play the next two games with their leading scorer, Ja Morant, as he steps away from the team.

The Clippers are another streaky team and, right now, are on a five-game losing skid. The problem lately is that they can’t finish and have recently given away late leads in several games.

Memphis has been without Steven Adams, impacting their tip wins. Paul George comes in with the second best first basket percentage on the team, and without Ivica Zubac, he’ll take that first shot.

Pick: Paul George (+700)

Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks

This will be an important matchup with these two teams separated by just two games in the Western Conference.

The Suns have looked great with Kevin Durant in the lineup, winning both starts. Now, as they bring in another offensive weapon, having one of the better defenses in the league will make them a favorite in the playoffs.

This will be the first game featuring Durant and Kyrie Irving as opponents since they left Brooklyn. Adding Irving to the Mavericks has yet to be successful, however, as Dallas has dropped five of their last seven. Alas. the eye test shows the chemistry still needs time to develop.

Dallas plays with a smaller lineup, so Phoenix will have the tip advantage. Booker comes into today with two first baskets over his last six games.

Pick: Devin Booker (+480)

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