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NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Monday (5/8)

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Last night, the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns both won home games to tie their respective series through four games.

Tonight, the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors will look to even up their conference semifinals matchups at two a piece.

I’ll look at some first-basket options for the tonight’s doubleheader in the NBA Playoffs.

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Monday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat

The New York Knicks have won the tip in 57% of games this season. The Knicks have attempted the first shot in 54% of games and scored the first basket in 49%.

On the other hand, the Heat have only won the tip in 48% of games. Miami has attempted the first shot in 48% of games and scored the first basket in only 37%.

But through seven games against the Knicks, Miami has scored the first basket in four of seven. The Heat and Knicks continue to trade first baskets throughout the year.

Jalen Brunson has the only first basket against the Heat in the playoffs. However, Julius Randle made a first basket against the Heat earlier this season.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Knicks get off to a much better start in tonight’s game. Brunson and Randle have combined for 31 first shots and 25 first baskets for New York. It’s important for Julius Randle to find his game early in tonight’s matchup. Therefore, I’ve got Randle scoring the first basket at +550.

Bet: Julius Randle (+550)

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Warriors-Lakers series has been the most anticipated one in a long time.

LeBron James and the Lakers certainly have more depth on their roster this season. Los Angeles is also better at winning the tip. However, the Warriors are more likely to score first.

The Lakers have won the tip 59% of the time, while the Warriors have only won the tip in 51% of games this year. The Lakers have also attempted more first shots, shooting 56% of first shots to Golden State’s 46%.

That being said, the Warriors have made 58% of first baskets, while the Lakers have only hit 49% this season.

Typically, it’s Klay Thompson getting the party started. He’s scored 15 first-baskets with 12 first-shot attempts this season. Andrew Wiggins is also a good look at +700, as he’s hit 10 first baskets and has eight first shots.

But don’t fall into the Steph Curry trap. Curry is at +650 odds to score first, but he has just two first baskets throughout the season.

I’ll stick with Thompson, but Wiggins isn’t a bad option either. Wiggins already has a first basket in this series. But Thompson has multiple first baskets throughout the season against the Lakers.

Bet: Klay Thompson (+550)

Check out our other best bets for Monday:

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