On Thursday, Feb. 19, the NBA returns from the All-Star break with 10 games on the docket.
The slate features several important matchups, including the New York Knicks hosting the Detroit Pistons, with New York sitting just six games back of Detroit for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Below, I’ll provide my four best NBA first basket bets for Thursday’s action, including a player from the Knicks-Pistons game.
NBA First Basket Bets for Thursday, February 19
All basketball odds used for tonight’s NBA first basket prop bets are current as of Thursday, Feb. 19, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Pistons vs. Knicks First Basket: Jalen Brunson (+485)
Of all the players on the slate, Brunson is tied for the most first baskets made with 10.
He has attempted the first shot in 20% of his starts and made all of them.
The Pistons win the opening tip only 41.5% of the time, giving the Knicks and Brunson a strong chance to have the first possession.
Brunson scoring the first basket of tonight’s marquee Eastern Conference showdown is my NBA pick of the day.
Suns vs. Spurs First Basket: Devin Vassell (+620)
The Spurs win the opening tip 72.2% of the time, which will be beneficial as the Suns win it over 70% of the time.
Still, Vassell leads the Spurs in first baskets made despite attempting the first shot in just 12.8% of his games.
The Suns allow teams to shoot 55.7% from 2-point range (23rd in the NBA), and Vassell shoots 50.7% on such shots.
Rockets vs. Hornets First Basket: Brandon Miller (+610)
The Hornets win the opening tip only 43.6% of the time, but the Rockets are even worse at 35.8%.
Miller attempts the first shot 31.6% of the time, which is the most among any player on the slate who has started more than six games for their team. This alone makes him a fantastic target for NBA first basket props.
If the Hornets get the ball, there’s a good chance he’s taking the first shot of the game.
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Hawks vs. 76ers First Basket: Tyrese Maxey (+390)
To close out my NBA player prop bets for tonight, I’m going with Tyrese Maxey.
The opening tip-off could go either way: the Hawks win it 51.8% of the time, and the 76ers win it 51.9% of the time.
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That said, Maxey leads all players in this game with first shots made with seven. The next closest on the 76ers is Kelly Oubre Jr. with four.
The Hawks rank 21st in opponent shooting percentage at 47.6%, and Maxey attempts 21.5 shots per game.
