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NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Saturday (Nuggets vs. Lakers)

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The Western Conference Finals shift to Los Angeles as the Lakers look to stay alive after losing the first two games in Denver. Getting off to a hot start is paramount for both of these teams so that puts extra emphasis on First Baskets. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite plays for the prop on Saturday night.

Saturday’s Best NBA Playoffs First Basket Bets

Season to Date: 19-69-5, +4.05 units

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers

Throughout his 20-year career, LeBron has shone brightest in the Playoffs. This year has been no different. As the seven seed, he’s led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals by being the main cog offensively. During the postseason, he leads the Lakers in first-team scores with seven in 14 games. 

A frustrating end to Game 2 should lead to an extra motivated James, who knows the Lakers need to win this game for any chance to stay in this series. I’m looking to him to get the scoring started Saturday night and sprinkling a First Basket play on him.

Pick: 0.25u on LeBron James (+440)

Lost in the excitement of Jamal Murray’s heroics in Game 2 was the quiet second half Nikola Jokic put up. Being a two-time MVP, I don’t expect him to stay quiet for long in this series. The Lakers will likely pay extra attention to denying Murray early so he doesn’t get going in Game 3. This should open up opportunities for a player like Jokic, who doesn’t need much help in that category.

Jokic doesn’t typically take many first shots, especially in these playoffs. He’s only scored the Nuggets’ first points twice this postseason, but the Lakers give up 28% of opponent first field goals to opposing centers, and this is a spot where Jokic may get a chance to hunt his shot. Given the situation, he’s worth a play for First Basket.

Pick: 0.25u on Nikola Jokic (+450)

Lastly, I’m going to make one small longshot pick. The breakout name of the Playoffs this year has had a really strong start to this series. I’m talking, of course, about Austin Reaves. He’s averaged 22.5 PPG in the two games, attempting early field goals in both games. He has yet to cash a First Basket in this series but has one already in these playoffs.

The Nuggets give up almost 25% of opponent first field goals to shooting guards, so it’s a good matchup for Reaves. It is a longshot play, so I’m only going to sprinkle a small play on it, but I love Reaves at this number and would recommend it if you want to get a little spicy on Saturday night.

Pick: 0.1u on Austin Reaves (+1100)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Saturday:


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