There are just two games in the NBA, so there are just two chances to nail the opening bucket. Both games feature some injury or suspension — different means to a similar end of missing players. Brooklyn takes on Miami in South Beach, and the Golden State Warriors host the high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder in the late game. Here are the best bets for first basket for Thursday, Nov. 16.
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NBA First Basket Bets Tonight: Odds & Picks
NBA Nets-Heat First Basket Bet Tonight
The Nets are winners of two straight, looking to keep some momentum despite hurting with their depth. The Heat are cooking as one of the hottest teams and are looking for their seventh straight win. Nicolas Claxton squares off against Bam Adebayo, not the easiest matchup for the Nets.
Adebayo leads Miami in first field goals and should win the opening tip. Miami has an option between Adebayo or Jimmy Butler, as reflected by the odds. Tyler Herro is out, along with his 22.9 points per game. The Heat slow things down as much as any team, so expect a methodical start to the game. Duncan Robinson would be a perfect candidate to benefit from open spacing and takes over an assumed role in replacing Herro’s scoring. Expect Miami to look Robinson’s way early.
Brooklyn loves the 3, so even if it does win the tip, expect a lower-percentage shot than just dumping it in to Claxton. Take Miami and Robinson to score first.
Best NBA First Basket Bet Prop: Duncan Robinson +900 at FanDuel for 0.25 Units
NBA Thunder-Warriors First Basket Bet Tonight
Two big names are out for tonight’s game between the Thunder and Warriors, both on Golden State but for far different reasons. Stephen Curry will rest his knee and miss the contest — possibly the Warriors’ fifth straight loss. Draymond Green is also out, starting the first of his five-game suspension against the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will play, as will everyone else on the Thunder. Chet Holmgren has helped win his share of tips but leads the team in first baskets. Oklahoma City can easily jump out to an early start with either Holmgren or Gilgeous-Alexander — both sitting under 6-1 on FanDuel. The third option is Jalen Williams, second on the team in first baskets made, yet his odds sit at +850 as the fourth selection for Oklahoma City.
Williams will get an early look in this game; the results have shown at least that despite it being early in the year. It’s worth a shot here at +850 against a weakened Warriors team.
Best NBA First Basket Prop: Jalen Williams +850 at FanDuel for 0.25 Units
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