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NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Saturday (4/22)

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A tough Friday saw us go 0-3 on First Basket plays. Saturday is an opportunity to turn that around as we get four NBA Playoff games to find some value. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite picks for the day.

Season to Date: 16-44-5, +6.34 units

Saturday’s Best First Basket Scorer Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers will be without both of their stars as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George continue to sit with knee issues. The Clippers will look to Norm Powell to replicate his performance Thursday night. In this matchup with Phoenix, I like him to get started with a First Basket. 

Powell scored the First Basket in Game 3 and took both of the first two field goal attempts for Los Angeles. With the two stars out, Powell will be a focal point of the offense. This matchup is a good one for Powell as the Suns give up around 25% of their opposing first field goals to shooting guards. Based on this, I love Powell for a First Basket in Game 4.

There is another player I like for this game that is based on how this series has played out, Kevin Durant. In all three games of this series, Durant has attempted the first field goal for the Suns. I expect this trend to continue. Due to this, Durant is another play I am going to sprinkle a quarter unit on.

Pick: 0.25u on Norm Powell (+800) |  0.25u on Kevin Durant (+440)

Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers

The series moves to Los Angeles, tied at a game a piece. Ja Morant missed Game 2 after an injury in Game 1 but is questionable for Saturday. This game will play a huge role in helping decide the series, so a hot start will be important. There is one player that I am targeting to get the First Basket.

The Grizzlies have given up their most opponent first field goals to opposing centers. This points to Anthony Davis being a possible play here in Game 3. In Game 1, he attempted the third field goal for the Lakers, and in Game 2, he attempted the first two field goals. He didn’t record a First Basket, but he gave himself opportunities. I like him to pull through in Game 3 and finally record a First Basket in this series.

Pick: 0.25u on Anthony Davis (+550)

Check out our other best bets from Saturday:

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