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Free NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Picks

Here are our NBA handicapper’s most recent free NBA first basket scorer prop picks. If you’re looking to win big, this is the prop for you, and we use all the latest stats to back up our NBA first basket scorer predictions!

NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Predictions

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FIRST BASKET SCORER PROP PICKS

Starts 7:40 PM ET

7:40 PM ET

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PASCAL SIAKAM FIRST BASKET

Detroit Pistons vs. Toronto Raptors

Reason for tip

A consistent stat shows that Detroit are unable to score first baskets, while Toronto are one of the best in the league when it comes to score first field goals, having done so in nearly 60% of their games. Pascal Siakam is the Raptors' best player when it comes to first baskets, with 25 first team field goals, and should have a great chance tonight against a Detroit side that normally allows first field goals.

9:10 PM ET

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GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO FIRST BASKET

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz

Reason for tip

Milwaukee is one of the best first-half teams, while the Jazz are one of the worst. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the obvious choice here as he leads the Bucks with 15 first team field goals, and 10 of these were first game field goals. Get him to add to his tally against a Jazz defense that will struggle to cope with Giannis ability to handle the ball and run the offense. 

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CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA)
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What are NBA first basket prop?

If you are looking for one of the hardest props to hit, you have found it. The rules of NBA First Basket Prop are very simple: you need to predict the player who will score the first basket in the game. It is a wager that needs to be placed before the game starts, and it is normally closed 5 to 10 minutes before tip-off. You need to remember that you are predicting not the first basket scored by a player’s respective team, but literally the first basket made in the game. Missed attempts do not count, as the bet will be awarded to the player who makes the shot.

Let’s make an example to explain this better. The game starts, and Tatum makes a three-pointer as the first basket of the whole game. Only the bettors who have backed Tatum to score the first basket will win, while all the other players’ bets will lose, even if they have made several attempts before Tatum scored. When betting on the first basket prop, it is important to check the terms and conditions of the sportsbook you are wagering with, as there are some differences. Some sportsbooks will not count free throws as the first basket.

So let’s say that a player will have two free throws before Tatum makes a three-pointer; only the bettors who backed Tatum will win. Other sportsbooks, however, do count free throws as the first basket, so it is important to check the terms and conditions before placing the bet.

NBA First Basket Strategy 

There are many different ways to bet on first basket props and many different strategies to use. The most important starting point is to analyze the data, as this is a good way to find out about opportunities in what is a difficult market to hit. Let’s take a look at the most important factors to consider when creating an NBA first basket strategy.

Tip-off Win Percentage

The NBA average team turnover percentage in the last season was 12.3%, which means that the team that wins the tip-off has more attempts at the first field goal. So the first thing to consider when selecting a first basket prop is the center battle at tip-off.

Normally, the taller center with the longer wingspan will win, but there are always exceptions, so check both teams’ stats before the game. Although this is an important stat, it doesn’t mean that the team that usually loses the tip-off should be scrapped completely, but in the long run, this is something to consider.

Player Shot Profiles

The second thing to consider is the shot profile of each player on the court. Are the majority of their shots coming from high-percentage areas like the paint? What is the player’s FG% on their most common shot attempt? Do they normally force a shot or a pass when heavily covered? and so on.

Frequency of Opening Shot Attempts

You also need to look at the frequency of opening shot attempts. For instance, a player might have plenty of field goal attempts, but they might not frequently occur as the first attempt in a game. For instance, Jayson Tatum had a 20.6 FGA, while Jaylen Brown had a much higher first basket attempt rate. You will see that the frequency of opening shot attempts will change significantly from week to week for role players, while the stars who tend to deliver on this prop tend to be rather consistent.

Last 10–15 games

As for any other player’s prop, you also need to consider the last 10–15 games for each team. This will tell you the fresh trend and their form, and you will also see which players have been recently taking the first shot attempt, which is a key indicator when making this bet. So, although in this prop bet you need a little more luck than in others, it is not random, and working with the stats does pay off over time.

Look for the best NBA First Basket Odds

While the odds on this prop won’t be hugely different from one sportsbook to another, there are differences, and to increase your chances of success over time, you need to ensure you are betting at the best possible value. By following our NBA First Basket props, you will be covered as we do the shopping on your behalf and suggest the sportsbook that has the best odds for the predictions made. 

NBA First Basket Prop FAQ

What Are NBA First Basket Props?

NBA first basket props are a type of player prop where the bettor needs to correctly predict who will score the first basket in the game, regardless of which team. Only one player will win per game, and this is why the odds are high.

Where Can I Legally Place NBA First Basket Props Online? 

You can legally place NBA first-quarter props online in all legal sportsbetting states.To bet on the NBA first basket prop, you would have to be physically located in a legal betting state.

What If My Player Doesn’t Start?

If the player you have backed does not start the game, you will get a full refund. But if the player does start but is injured before the first basket has been scored, which is a remote possibility, the bet won’t be refunded.

Can I do an NBA first basket prop parlay?

Of course. On this page you will find NBA first basket parlays from time to time with mega odds. The chances of winning are not high, but if we do hit, we have a massive payout, so it is worth trying when the stats are there to support it. 

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Carl Tarver
Born and raised in Denver and a former college baseball player, I'm an avid fan of prop bets, especially on the NBA, NHL, NFL, and NCAA. looking to find an edge by any means necessary. As a lifelong Nuggets fan, I promise to be very impartial when the Nuggets are not involved!