Suns vs. Pacers: Today’s NBA First Basket Scorer Bets

A tough end to last week saw us go 0-for on both Friday and Saturday, but that's often how taking a volatile prop as First Basket goes. We'll push forward and take a look at the Friday games to get back on a winning streak. Here are my top picks. Below is a closer look at Suns vs. Pacers.

Season to Date: 2-10-1, 0.00 units

And here are our other top picks for Friday:

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Friday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets: Suns vs. Pacers

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings)

Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers

The Suns travel to Indiana in an ultimate battle of First Basket strength against First Basket weakness. With Deandre Ayton at center court, the Suns are winning over 60% of their tips and subsequently scoring the first field goal in over 50% of games. The Pacers are on the other end of the spectrum with less than a 40% success rate at scoring the first field goal.

One glaring defensive weakness when it comes to First Baskets is the center position. Indiana is giving up 27% of first field goals to opposing centers, by far the most of any position. This plays right into Phoenix's strength with Deandre Ayton.

Ayton leads the team in first team field goals and trails only recently traded Mikal Bridges in first game field goals. The difference between first team field goals and first game field goals is partially a product of luck. Friday night’s lineup is up in the air with the blockbuster trade to add Kevin Durant, but Ayton should still be in play, so I feel really good about playing him in this spot against a team that struggles to prevent centers from scoring early.

Pick: 0.25u on Deandre Ayton (+300)

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