NBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Wednesday (4/22)
We’ve got two more Game 2 matchups in the NBA tonight. With only two games on the slate, I’ve added a first basket scorer pick for both matchups and shared them below.
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
(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
In Game 1 of the series, Jalen Duren earned the opening tip and helped the Detroit Pistons get first possession. However, the Magic still scored first after Cade Cunningham missed his first shot attempt to begin the game. Jalen Suggs began the night with a three-point shot and won the first basket that night.
It’s still more likely the Magic get the first shot attempt tonight. After all, Wendell Carter Jr. has won the opening tip in 73% of games, while Jalen Duren of the Pistons has won the opening tip in only 44% of games.
The Pistons have allowed the first basket to small forwards 26% of the time. Power forwards have contributed to the first basket 21% of the time against the Pistons.
Franz Wagner has scored four first baskets in 32 starts for the Magic. He’s added the team’s first field goal attempt in 25% of games and has scored the team’s first basket in 19% of games when starting. After a solid first game, let’s ride with Wagner to score the first basket of Game 2.
Pick: Franz Wagner (+700)
Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The first basket in Game 1 belonged to Dillon Brooks. However, it took almost one minute for the first basket to be scored in that game. The Suns won the first possession behind Oso Ighodaro, but needed three shot attempts before scoring the first basket.
It’s still unclear if Mark Williams will play in Game 2 for the Suns. He missed Game 1 of the series due to injury. If he’s good to go, he’ll be the opening tip-off man for the Suns. He’s won the opening tip in 78% of games this season and won the season series of opening tips 3-1 over Chet Holmgren of the Thunder.
The Thunder have allowed the first basket to point guards 33% of the time this season.
That would give hope for Devin Booker to score first. He’s added nine first baskets this season and has scored the team’s first basket in 23% of games this season.
Pick: Devin Booker (+650)