NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Predictions: Friday (4/25)
There are three Game 3s on the schedule for Friday. With that come three great opportunities for First Basket scorers. Here are my favorite plays for First Basket on Friday night.
Friday’s Best NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorer Picks
(NBA odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
The series goes to Orlando in a situation where the Magic will try to avoid the dreaded 3-0 hole. It'll be tough since Boston has already won the first two opening tips in this series and looks poised to continue that trend on Friday.
For Boston, it's all about Jaylen Brown. He scored the First Basket in Game 2 and also took the first shot of the game in Game 1. Orlando gives up a fair amount of first team scores to forwards, and Brown has produced a First Basket in 22% of the games he's started this year, an insane rate. The numbers point to him adding another in Game 3.
Pick: Jaylen Brown (+600)
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks also need a home win to avoid a 3-0 series deficit. I believe they're more poised to get off to the crucial hot start they need. Brook Lopez has a significant jump ball advantage over Myles Turner, who is one of the worst full-time starters in that aspect.
When Milwaukee scored first this season, they liked to go to Giannis and Damian Lillard. In this situation, I like them going to Lillard. The Pacers gave up 40% of opposing first scores to guards, and Lillard will really want to get going after knocking a bunch of rust off in Game 2. I like him to get the first crack and first score for Milwaukee.
Pick: Damian Lillard (+700)
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves
Both of these teams have traded dominant performances in the first two games. It'll be interesting to see how this contest goes. Jaxson Hayes has gotten the better of Rudy Gobert on the tip in both games this series, and I'll be looking for him to do the same in Game 3. I'll also be looking for Hayes to enjoy the fruits of his hard work with a First Basket.
Hayes managed to score first for Los Angeles in Game 2. This is no surprise as he's scored first for the Lakers in 43% of his starts this year. Considering Minnesota gives up almost 30% of their first scores to centers, I'll back Hayes for First Basket.
Pick: Jaxson Hayes (+700)