NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Odds & Picks: Sunday (4/21)
It’s day two of the NBA Playoffs, and we have a great slate and some fantastic First Basket props for this Sunday, April 21.
Sunday’s NBA First Basket Scorer Best Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
The Celtics and Heat have faced each other in the playoffs four out of the last five years, with the Heat winning two, and they all went at least six games. Boston was the clear-cut best team this year, finishing in the top three in offensive and defensive adjusted ratings. They were also the best at grabbing the first basket, as their 63% success rate was No. 1. For this game, I’m paying attention to Jayson Tatum. No Jimmy Butler to guard him could allow Tatum to have a memorable series starting with the first basket.
Pick: Jayson Tatum (+700)
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers
The 4 vs. 5 matchup is usually a toss-up, and this one is no different. Both the Clippers and Mavericks have had stretches where they’ve looked championship-caliber and others where they’ve struggled. Dallas has a large First Basket advantage, 57% to Los Angeles’ 38%. Look at Luka, who’s led this team in First Baskets.
Pick: Luka Doncic (+425)
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are coming in as the two-seed, but with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status up in the air, they could be in for an early exit if he can’t get on the floor. Milwaukee holds the significant advantage in First Basket percentage (59% vs. 44%), but Giannis led the team and was second in the league with 15. Is there someone who could step in his place? Damian Lillard has had huge moments, including in the playoffs, and should be the focused playmaker.
Pick: Damian Lillard (+425)
New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder
The Pelicans had a tough road to get to this point, losing to the Lakers and then having to play against Sacramento. Their reward was that they get to play the top team in the Western Conference. The Thunder are young but have a lot of talent, so this should be a fun series to watch. It’s close between these teams in First Basket stats. The most noticeable trend? Chet Holmgren has the first basket in all three matchups against New Orleans.
Pick: Chet Holmgren (+500)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday: