The group stage for the NBA Cup is behind us, and now it’s down to eight teams: the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs.
However, the in-season tournament won’t continue for almost another week, with the first knockout games tipping off on Dec. 9.
In the interim, we have a nine-game slate tonight, providing ample opportunities for NBA first basket bets.
Let’s check out four of my favorites.
NBA First Basket Bets for Monday, December 1
All basketball odds used for tonight’s NBA first basket prop bets are current as of Monday, Dec. 1, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rockets vs. Jazz First Basket: Lauri Markkanen (+431)
Leading off my NBA first basket props is Markkanen. Of all the players on tonight’s slate, the Utah Jazz star is tied for the most first baskets made.
The Jazz win the opening tip-off 73.7% of the time, and they’re facing a Rockets squad that wins it only 29.4% of the time.
Houston has played some stiff defense this season, holding teams to 35% from 3-point range (tied for 7th) and 53.3% on 2-point shots (tied for 6th), but with the discrepancy in opening tip win percentage and Markkanen shooting 55.4% on 2-point shots, I’ll take a chance on the 7-footer as my NBA pick of the day.
Cavaliers vs. Pacers First Basket: De’Andre Hunter (+700)
I mentioned that Markkanen has the joint-most first baskets made on this slate. Well, Hunter is the player he is tied with at five.
His Cavaliers win the opening tip-off 66.7% of the time compared to the Pacers at 40%. He shoots 58.9% from 2-point range, and the Pacers allow teams to shoot the fifth-highest percentage in the NBA (57.1%) from inside the arc.
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Bulls vs. Magic First Basket: Wendell Carter Jr. (+700)
For tonight’s slate, no team wins the opening tip-off at a higher percentage than the Magic.
Furthermore, Orlando has two players, Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner, who have made the first basket four times.
While Carter Jr. shoots fewer shots than Wagner, he has started one less game, and the Bulls have allowed teams to shoot 57.4% on 2-point shots over their last three contests.
I see a scenario where the Magic win the opening tip, Carter Jr. gets it down low, and slams it in for the first basket.
Suns vs. Lakers First Basket: Austin Reaves (+780)
For the last of my NBA player prop bets in the first basket made department, I’ll take Reaves.
This play is a bit more contentious, as the Lakers win the opening tip-off 68.4% of the time while the Suns aren’t far behind at 61.9%.
That said, Reaves has made the first basket four times in 16 starts and has attempted the first shot 18.8% of the time.
Not only that, but he’s shooting a fantastic 65.1% on 2-point shots.
Given the tip-off win percentages, it’s almost a 50/50 shot, but if the Lakers get it, Reaves is in a good position.
