NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (5/7)
First baskets are always fun because it’s a big payoff if you hit them. Let’s see who is grabbing the first score on today’s slate.
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Sunday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Joel Embiid (+360)
The Celtics look like they’re in control of this series with a +42 scoring differential through games. The offense has been incredible throughout this series, but they’ve tightened the defense and allowed under 40% from the floor in the last two games.
The offense was great without Embiid in Game 1, and it’s been non-existent with him on the court. James Harden and Tyrese Maxey need to be better. Especially Harden, who scored 45 in Game 1 but is shooting just 17.8% in the last two games.
One thing that has gone right during this series for Philly is the first basket. They’ve won all three tip-offs and scored in their first possession. Joel Embiid led the league in first baskets during the regular season.
Devin Booker (+370)
Denver was excellent in the first two games at home but could not grab the 3-0 lead in Phoenix. Their offense played well, but defensively they couldn’t contain the Suns’ two best scorers.
Instead of the supporting cast contributing, Phoenix needed Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to score even more to get the win. That will be key to them winning this series.
Regarding first baskets, it’s been the Suns up 2-1. Ayton has a 68% tip-win rate and has beaten Nikola Jokic twice. Ayton leads the team in first baskets, but the Suns have been relying on the perimeter shooting, and they’ll continue to feed Booker.
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