NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/26)
Wednesday gives us a jam-packed four-game NBA Playoff schedule. All four games have plenty of intrigue, as three higher-seeded teams are on the brink of elimination. We’ll take a look at the slate and find some First Basket plays to cash in early.
Season to Date: 16-47-5, +5.59 units
Wednesday’s Best NBA Playoffs First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
The series heads back to Cleveland as the Cavaliers find themselves on the ropes. The Knicks will look to put their foot on the gas early as they have all series, scoring three of the four First Baskets. I like the Knicks in this situation and there is one specific player I’m targeting.
Julius Randle led the Knicks in the First Baskets on the season, even though he has yet to score one during this series. This hasn’t been for lack of trying. Randle has attempted an average of one of the first three field goal attempts for the Knicks in this series.
Cleveland gave up just under 25% of their opposing First Baskets to power forwards. The numbers point to this being the spot Randle finally gets a First Basket in this series.
Pick: Julius Randle (+500) | 0.25u
Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are on the brink of the biggest upset of the NBA Playoffs, down 3-1 to the Heat. They host game 5, and I expect them to come out swinging early. I’m looking to their superstar to make that early impact.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored the First Basket in each game he’s played in the series. This tracks with the season trend that Miami has given up first field goals to opposing bigs at nearly 50%. When you need a basket, you go to your stars. Milwaukee needs a big win here, and a strong start is important. I like Giannis to take advantage of the matchup with Miami and score a First Basket for us.
Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+390) | 0.25u
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings
No matter what happens in this game, we will get a Game 6. Neither team has won on the road yet, and Sacramento hosts tonight. We’ve got some exceptional play in this series, and there is no reason to expect anything different here. When it comes to First Basket, there is no clear play.
Domantas Sabonis has been on fire this series, scoring three First Baskets in four games. The numbers also suggest that this isn’t some fluke. Golden State has given up about 30% of first field goals to opposing centers on the season. The game scripts have worked out perfectly for Sabonis, and there is no reason to think that should change on Wednesday.
Pick: Domantas Sabonis (+450) | 0.25u
Check out the rest of Wednesday’s best bets:
- NBA Playoffs Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NHL Playoffs Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
- MLB To Hit A Home Run Player Prop Picks & Predictions
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
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