NBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Monday (5/11)
While the Cleveland Cavaliers look to tie the Detroit Pistons in their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to be the second team to sweep their opponent in the second round of the playoffs. It’s an action-packed Monday, so I’ve added two NBA first basket scorers to consider for 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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Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorers & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings 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. Detroit Pistons
Jarrett Allen won the first two opening tips in this series, but Jalen Duren added the opening tip in Game 3. The Pistons scored first off that opening tip after Duncan Robinson drilled a three to open up the scoring.
The Cavaliers scored first in the first two games, and Allen has a much better track record at winning opening tips this season. Cleveland was also one of the best teams at scoring first this year, adding a first basket in 61% of games this season.
Evan Mobley has been part of the action every time the Cavaliers gained initial control of the ball. He’s scored first, assisted on a first field goal and lost the ball on a turnover in every first possession.
The ball will likely be in Mobley’s hands. Let’s take him to score first at +500 odds.
Pick: Evan Mobley (+500)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Lakers got on the board first in Game 3 of this series. Deandre Ayton committed a loose-ball foul off the opening tip, but Chet Holmgren traveled 15 seconds later to give the Lakers the ball.
Ayton won the opening tip against Holmgren most of the time in their regular-season matchups. Ayton has been more consistent with opening tips throughout the season, too.
It’s more likely the Lakers win the opening tip and take the first shot attempt. Looking back at the regular season, the Thunder allowed point guards to score first on 33% of first baskets and centers 25% of the time.
I’ve given Reaves a shot most times this series. Let’s ride him out one more time.
Pick: Austin Reaves (+700)