NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Friday (5/5)
Friday night provides two excellent Game 3’s. The first has Boston traveling to Philadelphia to try and take back home-court advantage. The second has former Western Conference favorites, Phoenix, looking to avoid the dreaded 3-0 deficit. I’ll take a look at both of these matchups and find some First Basket plays.
Season to Date: 17-58-5, +4.12 units
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Today’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers
This is such a key game for both teams looking to take the early edge in the series and both teams will look to get off to an good start. In this series both teams have scored on their first shot attempts so winning the jump ball has been so key. In both Game 1, where Joel Embiid did not play, and Game 2, where he did, the 76ers won the opening tip.
With the opening tip edge, I like Joel Embiid for First Basket. He led the league in First Baskets during the regular season en route to his first MVP. The matchup with Boston is advantageous for Embiid as Boston gives up opponent’s first field goals in over one-quarter of their games. This will be Embiid’s first game in front of the home crowd since being crowned MVP so even at shorter odds he’s a great play.
Given the fact that Boston has scored on each of their first attempts, I’m going to sprinkle a play on a Celtic player as well. I’m targeting Jaylen Brown. Jayson Tatum is the straw that stirs the drink, but Brown is the one that has really blown up in the last five games. He’s averaged 29.2 PPG on 58.8% shooting in the stretch. Against Philadelphia he’s had a lot of success too, scoring 23 or more in four of five matchups. I like him to stay hot and get a First Basket on Friday.
Pick: 0.25u on Joel Embiid (+360) & 0.25u on Jaylen Brown (+600)
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns
This Western Conference series heads to the desert where the Suns will look to avoid a 3-0 deficit at home. In both games this series, the Suns got off to the early 2-0 lead. I like them to do the same on Friday night.
Devin Booker scored the First Basket in both games so far this series and with Chris Paul already ruled out, I like him again here. Booker should facilitate much of the offense and his ability to score from his own creation is key if Phoenix is going to win Game 3. It helps that Denver gives up first field goals to shooting guards more than any other position, but center, at over 25%. Phoenix needs Booker to stay hot and I like him to do so with a First Basket.
If you want another play for this game, Deandre Ayton is an excellent way to go. He’s had plenty of opportunities for early shot attempts in this series already. Given that Denver gives up the most field goal attempts to centers, he’s a good play. If Denver helps hard on Booker, Ayton is the most likely player to benefit with open shot attempts. He’s worth a play on Friday night.
Pick: 0.25u on Devin Booker (+390) & 0.25u on Deandre Ayton (+550)
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