First basket betting can add an extra layer of excitement to any NBA matchup, and Thursday’s slate offers prime opportunities to cash in on favorable trends. Whether it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating from the tip or Desmond Bane’s incredible ROI in first basket markets, we’ve identified three high-value plays to jump-start your betting night. Let’s break down the numbers and highlight the best first basket picks for December 26.
Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Nets (+340, Caesars)
Like the rest of the NBA, the Nets don’t have anyone to guard Giannis and he’s been hot in this market lately, scoring the first basket in three of his last five games at home (+8.3 units, 166% ROI). Brooklyn has won the first tip just 31% of the time this season and if the Bucks start the game with the ball, it’s more than likely to be in the Greek Freak’s hands. I like this at +340.
Grizzlies SF Desmond Bane vs. Raptors (+650, FanDuel)
The Grizzlies (20-10) and Bane have flown under the radar a bit this season, but he’s scored the first basket in six of his last 12 games (+30.25 units, 252% ROI), which is a streak that’s tough to ignore. Memphis has won the tip 80% of the time this season and Bane has taken the first shot 22.7% of the time this season, so there’s a ton to like about this pick at +650, a 13.33% implied probability.
Rockets PF Jabari Smith Jr. vs. Pelicans (+750, Caesars)
This has largely been a disappointing year for Smith, but he’s scored the first basket in five of his last 20 games (+32.5 units, 162% ROI). At +750, he has an 11.76% implied probability to hit this, but as noted in the last sentence, if you bet this every game over his last 20, you’d be up 32.5 units right now! I’ll give this a shot against a Pelicans team that can’t defend the frontcourt at all.
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