The Oklahoma City Thunder lost Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals in double overtime to the San Antonio Spurs. We’ll see how they respond at home in Game 2. Below, I’ve added my top NBA first basket scorers you’ll want to consider for tonight’s Game 2 matchup.
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 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.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
In Game 1 of this series, Victor Wembanyama won the opening tip, and Stephon Castle came through with the first basket after nailing a three-pointer less than 20 seconds into the game.
It’s typically a good idea to roll with the Spurs. After all, Wembanyama won the opening tip in 91% of games during the regular season. He’s been just as good in the playoffs, including a tip-off win against Chet Holmgren in Game 1.
That said, Holmgren added the opening tip in 54% of regular-season games, and the Thunder actually scored first more times than the Spurs in the regular season. But it’s always more likely the Spurs will begin the game with possession and take the first shot. The Spurs still have the advantage in this market.
The Thunder allowed the first basket to point guards 33% of the time this season. They also gave up the first basket to centers 25% of the time. It’s unclear if De’Aaron Fox will play tonight, but Wembanyama will certainly start. His odds increased from Game 1 to +380. Let’s give him a shot.
Pick: Victor Wembanyama (+380)
