Germantas Kneita
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I was able to hit our +470 first basket scorer prop last night and will be hoping to build on it with 3 more selections today. Luckily, there is an incredible 13-game slate to choose from on Friday. There is a double-header on NBA TV with the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves. That will be followed by a clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns.
Check out our predictions for those and the rest of today todays NBA games too. But for now, let’s dive right into my first basket scorer selections.
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Spurs vs Warriors first basket best bet: Klay Thompson (+470)
The San Antonio Spurs have been shocking at gaining the first possession, doing so just once over the last 10 games. With 4 of their leading scorers over the last month potentially out tonight, they would struggle to convert even if they got it. It should give Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors a great chance of jumping out to an early lead. Thompson has made the opening field goal for the Warriors in 3 of his last 10 starts. Over the last 10 games, the Spurs are in the bottom 10 of opponent 3-point percentage. Thompson has made over 45% of his shots from beyond the arc in 3 straight games. Do not be surprised to see him open with a triple as a result.
Check out our San Antonio Spurs vs Golden State Warriors predictions
Kings vs Trail Blazers first basket best bet: Shaedon Sharpe (+700)
Domantas Sabonis has helped the Sacramento Kings win the tip just 3 times over the last 10 games. He should struggle to improve on that here against a Portland Trail Blazers team who have not lost the opening tip during that stretch. With the Kings 20th in defensive rating over the last 10 games, the hosts will have a great chance of converting. Shaedon Sharpe could be the man to do it. The rookie is in fine form, scoring 24 or more points in 4 of his last 5 games. He has made the teams first basket in 2 of his last 5 starts too. Sharpe is a freak athlete and should benefit from the lack of rim protection that Sabonis provides. He scored 30 when the sides last faced off. Look for him to get something going to the rim early tonight.
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Bulls vs Hornets first basket best bet: Nikola Vucevic (+440)
The Chicago Bulls love going to Nikola Vuicevic early in games. Over the last 10, he has made the teams first field goal on 7 occasions. No Bulls players is responsible for a more shots through the teams first 3 field goal attempts than the center. With 5 of the leading 6 scorers for the Charlotte Hornets either listed as out or questionable to play, the Bulls should have a great chance to get a stop even if they lose the tip. Letting Vucevic go at a rookie like Mark Williams early makes sense too. The Bulls center will have a bulk advantage and should be able to dominate in the low post. And if he can get an early foul on Williams, it could help deprive the Hornets of their best rim protector. Look for the man from Montenegro to open the scoring here.
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