Tonight’s slate offers nine games, so there are several ways to approach NBA first basket bets.
Of the nine games and 18 teams playing, the Chicago Bulls win the opening tip-off least often at just 25%, whereas the Orlando Magic lead the league at 81%.
Continue reading below to see my top NBA first basket props, including a player for the Magic.
NBA First Basket Bets for Wednesday, December 3
All basketball odds used for tonight’s NBA first basket prop bets are current as of Wednesday, Dec. 3, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Nuggets vs. Pacers First Basket: Nikola Jokic (+366)
The Nuggets may only win the opening tip-off 50% of the time, but their opponent, the Pacers, is even worse at 38.1%.
Jokic has only attempted the first shot in 10% of his games (20 total), but when he has attempted the first basket, he’s made both of them.
Not only that, but he’s shooting 69.5% on 2-point shots. So, if the Nuggets get the opening tip-off and Jokic is down in the paint, I feel great about his chances to score the first basket.
Back the Denver star as your NBA pick of the day.
Spurs vs. Magic First Basket: Wendell Carter Jr. (+960)
Of all the teams on tonight’s slate, none wins the opening tip-off more often than the Magic at 81%.
As for individual players, Carter Jr. takes the first shot the second-most often, at a 30% rate. The player ahead of him has only started six games.
Finally, Carter Jr. has made the first shot five times, which is tied for the most among all players tonight.
Hornets vs. Knicks First Basket: Kon Knueppel (+670)
The Hornets win the opening tip-off 52.4% of the time, but their opponent, the Knicks, is at 45%.
In 20 starts this season, Knueppel has attempted the first shot 25% of the time and has made four of them.
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Trail Blazers vs. Cavaliers First Basket: De’Andre Hunter (+710)
Finally, for the last of my NBA player prop bets in the first basket department, I’ll take Hunter.
Hunter is one of three players on the slate tonight who have made five first baskets this season, and he has the most of any Cleveland player.
The Cavaliers win the opening tip-off 68.2% of the time, and he’s attempted the first shot in 22.2% of his 18 games started.
