Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/8)

Dec 8, 2022 - 2:24 PM

There are three games on the NBA slate tonight, including two games being featured on NBA TV.

There are so many betting options per game. But sometimes, you want to get a quick bet out of the way and know if you win immediately.

Betting on the “first basket” scorer is like playing roulette. However, the odds of winning are higher. Only ten players can score the first basket, and with enough previous data, you can seriously hit a long-shot bet.

Here are three players you can consider betting on in tonight’s NBA first-basket market.

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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Top NBA First Basket Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (12/8)

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat

The Los Angeles Clippers have scored the first basket 46% of the time this season. They’ve also won the tip 46% of the time this year. However, the Clippers still took the first shot 58% of the time this year.

On the other hand, the Miami Heat have only scored the first basket in nine of 25 games. They’ve still won the tip 44% of the time and have taken the first shot each time they’ve earned the ball first.

Kawhi Leonard scored the first basket in last night’s game. It sounds like he’ll also be returning to the starting lineup in tonight’s game.

The Clippers have a much higher track record of taking the first shot, and with Leonard sitting at +800 odds, this is a no-brainer.

Bet: Kawhi Leonard (+800)

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Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs

The Rockets have scored the first basket in just 38% of games this season. They’ve also won the tip in 38% of games but have earned the first shot in 42% of games this season. Ultimately, the Rockets earned one takeaway on the first possession defensively to take one more first shot.

On the other hand, the Spurs have scored the first basket in 42% of games but have won the tip 58% of the time. They’ve also taken the first shot 50% of the time.

The Spurs are more consistent and will be at home. This season, Keldon Johnson has taken the first shot six times and has three of the game’s first baskets. With Jakob Poeltl and Devin Vassell questionable, I like Johnson to score first in tonight’s game.

Bet: Keldon Johnson (+440)

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Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers

On October 24, the Nuggets and Blazers met for the first time. Portland won the tip, and Damian Lillard scored the first basket.

That’s a reasonable outcome for tonight’s game as well.

The Blazers have won the tip 58% of the time, while the Nuggets have only won the tip 38% of the time. Furthermore, Portland has taken the first shot in 17 of 24 games this season. The Blazers have only scored the first basket 46% of the time. So shots don’t always fall for the Blazers early.

But Portland should have the first chance.

Back Lillard at +550 to score first against the Nuggets.

Bet: Damian Lillard (+550)

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