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The NBA Playoffs begin today with 4 series tipping off. I had plenty of success during the play-in games, hitting the first basket scorer props in 3 of the 4 games, including a +1100 selection in the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors game.
Let’s keep that momentum going tonight with the playoffs starting for real. You can read all of our NBA predictions for today’s games but now let’s dive into my favourite first-basket scorer props.
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Nets vs 76ers first basket best bet: Joel Embiid (+280)
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has come up against Nic Claxton on 2 occasions this season, with the pair splitting winning the opening tip. With Embiid having the height and wingspan advantage, he should be favoured to gain the ball first today. Do not be surprised to see the 76ers go to him first too. He has a massive bulk advantage over anyone on the Brooklyn Nets roster and should have a mismatch in the low block. The team have made an emphasis of establishing him early as well. Embiid has scored the team’s first points in 3 of his last 7 games. If he can dominate from the beginning, the Nets will be forced to send help his way, creating space for his teammates. Do not be surprised to see the MVP candidate set the tone early.
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Hawks vs Celtics first basket best bet: John Collins (+1100)
The Atlanta Hawks have been more successful than the Boston Celtics at winning the opening tip over the last 10 games. They have done so in 5 games during that stretch, as opposed to 4 for the Celtics. I expect Clint Capela to have the advantage over a 36-year-old Al Horford too. From there John Collins looks a good value selection. He has already made the opening field goal in a game against the Boston Celtics this season.
The hosts do not have a traditional power forward, which should give Collins the size advantage down low. Look for him to be picked up by Jayson Tatum. The Hawks could try to make the Celtics star work on the defensive end early, in the hope he gets into foul trouble. Do not be surprised to see Collins being tasked with going at him from the jump. It helps that he has a willing passer in Trae Young on his team too.
Take a look at today’s NBA mega parlay
Knicks vs Cavaliers first basket best bet: Jarrett Allen (+700)
Jarrett Allen has often been the target of the opening possession for the Cleveland Cavaliers of late. Over his last 6 starts, he has knocked down the first points in 4 games. Each one happened to be the first points in the game too. Do not be surprised if the same is the case tonight.
He will be picked up by Mitchell Robinson, who is a keen shot-blocker. With Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell having the ability to get into the paint and draw help, it could make Allen an easy target for an alley-oop. On the season the Cavaliers have the best defensive rating in the league. That means that even if Allen fails to win the opening tip, there is a good chance the Cavaliers will have a shot at opening the scoring in the game. With his recent success in doing that, Allen looks like a good value selection.
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