On Monday, Oct. 27, there are 11 games on the docket, providing us with many options for NBA first basket bets and picks.
Leading off tonight’s action are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons, and the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
The Magic have been a surprising team, starting the year 1-2 after losing to the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. They’re taking on the 76ers, who will be without numerous players, including Paul George, Joel Embiid, Dominick Barlow, Trendon Watford, and Jared McCain.
To close out the evening, the Los Angeles Lakers host the Portland Trail Blazers. Lakers superstar Luka Doncic suffered a couple of injuries the other night and will miss at least one week, and LeBron James is out until mid-November.
With all that out of the way, let’s check out my top picks for NBA first basket props tonight.
NBA First Basket Bets for Monday, October 27
All NBA odds used for these best bets are current as of Monday, Oct. 27, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers First Basket: Austin Reaves (+377)
With James and Doncic out, Reaves is the next man up, scoring-wise, for the Lakers.
Over the first three games of the season, he’s averaging 34 points per game. Additionally, he’s averaging 17.7 shots and has made 10 per outing.
He’ll be one of the Lakers with the ball in his hands primarily.
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Magic vs. 76ers First Basket: V.J. Edgecombe (+740)
The 76ers have played just two games this season, but Edgecombe, a rookie, is averaging 24.5 points per game. He’s also averaging 20.5 field goal attempts, which is second behind point guard Tyrese Maxey.
Like Reaves with Doncic and James out, Edgecombe will also have more openings with George and Embiid on the bench.
Finally, Edgecombe attempted the first shot for the 76ers in their win over the Charlotte Hornets. He’s been an exciting surprise in the NBA player prop bets market.
Cavaliers vs. Pistons First Basket: Jalen Duren (+830)
Duren has shown to be a great presence down low for the Pistons, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.
He’s coming off a stellar game against the Celtics, playing 28 minutes and scoring 24 points and 18 rebounds.
Cavaliers center Evan Mobley is a good defender, but the Cavaliers do allow opponents to shoot 55.9% on 2-point shots, which is 13th in the league.
Coming off a fantastic game, I’ll ride the hot hand for this NBA first basket prop bets.
Nets vs. Rockets First Basket: Alperen Sengun (+453)
The Nets allow opponents to shoot 44.8% from beyond the arc, which is the highest in the NBA.
Not only is Sengun shooting 50% from 3-point range right now (2.5 makes; 5 attempts), he’s second on the team in points per game (28) and leads the Rockets in field goal attempts per game (21).
He’s a fantastic candidate for NBA first basket bets tonight.
