There are 12 games across the NBA this evening. It's a massive slate, so there are a bunch of options to take into consideration. Here are a few players that are worth sprinkling a few dollars of your bankroll on to make the first basket for Wendnesday, October 28.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorers
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers
We have been recommending either Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allan to score the initial bucket. Allen has completely taken the reigns, and once again, returns a higher profit of the two. Sprinkling a few bucks on both once again makes sense. However, Allen is streaking currently, and offers the higher return on investment.
Jarrett Allen has scored the first basket in each of the three games played this season for Cleveland. Despite having the worse matchups in all three games, Allen has been the first look for the Cavaliers. Allen has the success rate and the extra profit to move the needle in his direction. It's rare that you get a trend on such a niche prop, so we are going to ride this until there is a reason not to.
Pick: Jarrett Allen (+600)
Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks
We move on to another favorite that simply put, is purely based on logic. The +340 represents our lowest return for the night. Having said that, it's also indicative of how favorable the sportsbooks are towards Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring the first basket in this contest. Giannis making the first field-goal is largely tied to Bam Adebayo. If Bam can get the tip, our odds obviously heavily increase (1/4 on the season) .
Miami is winless through four games played, and desperately need to get the ball in the hands of their most lethal scoring option right from the start. Atlanta doesn't have a player that can match the physicality and strength of Antetokounmpo. A quick basket for the point-forward is highly within the realm of possibilities. Giannis has scored the first basket in 1-of-4 games for Miami this season.
Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+340)
New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls
Our next selection is a bit of an odd one in regards to the payout. It's possible that +550 will be the obligatory return for the center for the Knicks unless he goes on a streak. Karl Anthony-Towns has won the tip-off, and scored the first basket in one contest this season. It's possible the return is based on the low success rate on winning the tip-off. Regardless, the profit should be around +400-450.
We aren't going to argue with the bump in payout, and given Chicago's limitations in the front court , KAT makes for an exceptional candidate to sink the first field goal tonight. New York finally won their first game last night, and there should be ample focus on getting Anthony-Towns easy looks at the basket starting with the first possession for New York.
Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns (+550)
Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers
We close out Wednesday's recommendations with somewhat of a gamble. Having said that, there are a few reasons why Walker Kessler may be the best option in this contest to land the first basket. Los Angeles is coming off an offensive shootout against Portland last night. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 67 points, with Reaves knocking down the first bucket.
Normally this would mean the favorite to score would be Luka Doncic. However, Kessler appears to be the more likely option. Los Angeles have won the tip off in all four games. Should they claim the tip-off again in this contest, it's very easy to envision Doncic or Reaves finding Kessler down low for a quick bucket.
Pick: Walker Kessler (+600)
