The NBA returns to more of a full workday with 11 games on the slate. We missed both plays last night, but the process is working in both identifying the winner of the tip and who takes the first shot — Jalen Williams last night for the Thunder. With more games to choose from tonight, there is some value out there. Don’t worry, we did the hard work for you. Here are the best first basket props for Friday, Nov. 17.
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NBA First Basket Bets Tonight: Odds & Picks
NBA Suns-Jazz First Basket Bet Tonight
The Suns are finally rolling out their own version of a Big 3, but so much of this play relies on Jusuf Nurkic winning the tip. He’ll go up against Lauri Markkanen with a solid chance of giving the Suns the first look. Phoenix also has Grayson Allen projected to start alongside Nurkic, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant. It’s Booker sitting at the top on FanDuel (they reward free throws as a first basket) at +450, ahead of both Durant and Beal.
Since Booker’s return, he’s been a primary focus of offense in the first quarters. The Suns are clearly making an extra effort to center the offense or at least scoring chances around Booker at first, while Beal and Durant are still able to create. Booker also gets to the line, which can be an added advantage to cashing these first basket tickets.
Not winning the tip doesn’t equal a Jazz first bucket. Utah still needs to find ways to score and keep up with this revamped Suns team. Just handing the ball to Markkanen hasn’t worked so far, so expect a rushed first look if Utah does secure the tip. It never feels great to play chalk until the bet hits.
Best NBA First Basket Bet Prop: Devin Booker +450 at FanDuel for 0.25 Units
NBA Lakers-Trail Blazers First Basket Bet Tonight
The Trail Blazers are on the verge of losing their sixth straight game as they host an up-and-down Lakers team. Los Angeles may have to do it without LeBron James, who is questionable, but looking more likely it will have Anthony Davis. The latter will square off against Deandre Ayton for the opening tip. Not having James is a major blow to the scoring funnel, meaning the ball immediately will go to Davis where he either shoots or es out of a triple team.
Even if the Lakers do sport a lineup featuring their top two players, they are still thin — at least defensively — in the backcourt. That’s a perfect spot for Shaedon Sharpe to take over right away after his teammate Ayton secures the tip. Any assumption the Lakers will cruise to the opening bucket is based on the line and overall talent gap. The reality is Ayton can win the tip while Sharpe takes full advantage of a weaker backcourt, either creating his own shot or scoring chance at the free-throw line.
Sharpe sits a little behind both Jerami Grant and Ayton — two Blazers players scoring more per game — but has the best initial matchup for Portland to set the tone. At 9-1, it’s worth a quarter unit.
Best NBA First Basket Prop: Shaedon Sharpe +900 at FanDuel for 0.25 Units
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