NBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Sunday (4/19)
The NBA postseason started strong with four exciting matchups last night. The other four matchups will begin today, and I’ve added two first basket wagers to the betting portfolio for today. Let’s finish the weekend strong and get a winner!
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.
Sunday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorers
(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.
Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons will have Jalen Duren for tonight’s opening tip. He’s won the tip just 44% of the time this season and has lost all four matchups against Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. this season.
Meanwhile, Carter Jr. has won the opening tip 73% of the time this season and has helped the Magic score first in 57% of games this year. Orlando has a real edge in gaining possession first and taking the first shot.
Ultimately, the Pistons have allowed the first basket to small forwards 26% of the time this season. Orlando will play Franz Wagner at small forward tonight, and he’s got four first baskets in 32 starts this season. Plus, he’s taken the team’s first basket attempt in 25% of starts this season. At +800, give Franz Wagner a try tonight.
Pick: Franz Wagner (+800)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs
It’s almost impossible to beat Victor Wembanyama in an opening tip battle. Wemby has won 91% of opening tips and has helped the Spurs score first 54% of the time this season. He’ll battle Portland’s Donovan Clingan, who has won just 55% of opening tips. As a result, the Blazers have scored first 48% of the time this season.
It’s more likely the Spurs win possession and take the first shot attempt.
That said, the Blazers have allowed the first basket to centers 33% of the time this season.
That means Victor Wembanyama has the biggest edge in the first basket market. Wembanyama leads the Spurs with 12 first baskets this season. He’s also scored the team’s first basket in 42% of games and has attempted the Spurs’ first shot in 36% of games. Even at +400, I’m comfortable backing Wembanyama tonight.
Pick: Victor Wembanyama (+400)