The NBA season is finally underway. We've got nine games to consider as we predict who will score the first basket in some of them. Below are my NBA first basket scorers for the day.
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Friday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorers
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Who scores first in today’s NBA slate? We compare historical first-basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The 76ers have won 66.7% of their opening tip-offs. It's shocking to me that Jaylen Brown, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Boston Celtics this offseason, hasn’t taken the first shot, let alone scored first for his team, in seven games.
Three of Philadelphia's other starters have recorded the first basket of the game so far this season. But Brown, despite ranking second on the team with 21.8 points per game, hasn't yet. I fully expect that to change quickly.
The only thing that gives me pause is that Cleveland wins 75% of its opening tip-offs.
Pick: Jaylen Brown (+600)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
At 6-1, the Trail Blazers have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch and have the most interesting stories of the young NBA season. They've also been one of the better teams at winning opening tip-offs (85.7%).
Yet, the Lakers roster the top three favorites to score first, so the Trail Blazers represent the better value.
Deni Avdija leads Portland with 23.4 points per game, and he hasn't been the first to shoot, let alone score first, yet. I believe that'll change tonight.
Pick: Deni Avdija (+650)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Timberwolves have won 44% of their opening tip-offs this season. But they're facing a Pelicans team that has won just 12.5% of its opening tips.
Minnesota will get the first scoring opportunity. Rudy Gobert and LaMelo Ball are the favorites to score first, and I understand why. They've both already been the first to score a basket in games this season.
But I believe Jonathan Kuminga is a better value pick. He's been a key part of this Timberwolves offense, and he's taken the first shot for his team 22.2% of the time - more than anyone else. They just haven't fallen - yet.
Pick: Jonathan Kuminga (+700)
