On Monday, Nov. 3, the NBA slate features nine games, including the Memphis Grizzlies hosting the Detroit Pistons.
This game comes just after Grizzlies star player Ja Morant was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team following his postgame comments after playing 31 minutes and scoring eight points on Oct. 31 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
When he rejoins the lineup tonight, will everything be OK, or will this be the start of a storyline in which we eventually see Morant traded?
With that in mind, below, I’ll list my top four NBA first basket bets, including one for that Grizzlies-Pistons game.
NBA First Basket Bets for Monday, November 3
All NBA odds used for these first basket prop bets are current as of Monday, Nov. 3, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Pistons vs. Grizzlies First Basket: Cade Cunningham (+550)
For the first of my NBA first basket props on this list, I mentioned I’d discuss the Grizzlies-Pistons game, and here it is: my pick is Cunningham.
This season, he’s averaging 18.7 field goals per game, including 12.5 on 2-point shots and 6.2 3-point baskets.
The Grizzlies are allowing opponents to shoot 38.5% from 3-point range (fifth-highest) and 56.7% on 2-point shots (ninth-highest).
Timberwolves vs. Nets First Basket: Julius Randle (+398)
Next up for my NBA first basket props, I’m taking a look at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With Anthony Edwards out for the next two weeks due to a hamstring injury, Randle is going to be the go-to guy in this Timberwolves offense. He’s averaging 16.8 field goals per game, including 5.7 3-point tries and 11 2-point attempts.
In this game, as the go-to scorer, he’ll take on the Brooklyn Nets, a team that’s allowing opponents to shoot 43.3% from 3-point range (highest) and 58.3% on 2-point tries (sixth-highest).
Randle will have the ball in his hand early and often against one of the worst defenses in the league.
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Kings vs. Nuggets First Basket: Nikola Jokic (+430)
At home, the Denver Nuggets are hosting the Sacramento Kings, a team that allows opponents to shoot 59.1% on 2-point shots.
This season, Jokic is shooting 75.6% on 2-point shots, attempting nine such shots per game.
Over the last three games, he’s attempted double-digit 2-point tries, including 15 against the New Orleans Pelicans, one of just a few teams worse than the Kings at defending 2-point tries.
Jokic is always an easy pick for NBA first basket prop bets.
Wizards vs. Knicks First Basket: Kyshawn George (+1080)
For my final NBA first basket bets tonight, I’m taking a swing on George. He made the first shot in the Washington Wizards’ last game against the Orlando Magic, and now, he’ll face a New York Knicks team that allows teams to shoot 39.9% from 3-point range.
George is shooting 54.5% from 3-point range, averaging 5.5 attempts per game.
As for 2-point baskets, the Knicks are middle-of-the-pack against 2-point shots, allowing teams to shoot 56.1%.
It’s not far-fetched to imagine George, who made the first basket in their most recent game, pulling up from 3-point range.
This is my favorite NBA player prop bet, especially considering the odds value.
