With tonight’s six-game slate, we’ll have six first-basket scorers. Our goal is to hit at least one of the six so we can begin the week with big-time cash.
Make sure to check out our NBA first basket cheat sheet for even more betting advice.
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Monday’s Best NBA First Basket Player Prop Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons
In 64 games this season, the Charlotte Hornets have allowed the first basket in 63% of games. That’s the second-worst rate in the NBA, behind the Utah Jazz, who have allowed the first basket in 69% of their first 64 games this season.
Charlotte has won the tip 51% of the time. That hasn’t been the issue. The issue has been scoring the first field goal. The Hornets have added the first field goal just 38% of the time while attempting the first field goal in 52% of games. They’ve really struggled to find consistency when opening up games.
On the other hand, the Pistons have also won the tip 51% of the time. The difference here is that the Pistons have scored the first field goal in 52% of games despite adding the first field goal attempt in 48% of matchups.
Detroit is simply more consistent from the floor to start games. Even if the Pistons don’t win the tip, I’d still have more confidence in Detroit getting a stop and scoring on their first possession.
The Hornets have allowed 23% of the first basket to small forwards and 30% of first baskets to centers this season.
Jalen Duren is the first Pistons player listed on the first basket board, sitting at +700.
Bet: Jalen Duren (+700)
Boston Celtics vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have allowed the first basket in 62% of games this season. That’s right behind the Charlotte Hornets, sitting in third place for the most first baskets allowed this season.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have won the tip in 71% of games and have scored the first field goal in 62% of games this season. They’ve even attempted the game’s first field goal in 65% of games this season.
While there’s a legitimate chance Kristaps Porzingis won’t play in tonight’s game, I’m still confident that the Celtics will win the tip. If not, they can get a stop and score on the other end.
Portland has allowed the first basket to centers 33% of the time. Tonight, Al Horford will play center. He is sitting at +800 odds with the third-highest probability of scoring first. The sportsbooks believe in Horford more than Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
Let’s give Horford a chance.
Bet: Al Horford (+800)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:
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