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With 4 more NBA Playoff series tipping off on Sunday, I have picked out my favorite first basket scorer props for the action. After Joel Embiid converted the first shot last night, I have now hit 4 out of 7 first basket selections this postseason. Today we will see the top seed in the Western Conference as the Denver Nuggets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. A strong performance from them here could solidify their tittle credentials.
You can see all of our NBA Playoff predictions, but for now, take a look at my first basket scorer selections below.
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Lakers vs Grizzlies first basket best bet: Jaren Jackson Jr. (+550)
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Davis have come to blows twice for the opening tip this season. The Memphis Grizzlies man has come out on top on both occasions. Do not be surprised for the same to be the case tonight, especially with the Grizzlies gaining the first possession in 6 of their last 10 games. Look for the hosts to try and establish Jackson Jr. early too. Anthony Davis is the pillar of the Lakers defense, and if the Grizzlies man can go at him and get an early foul on him, it could make Davis more cautious. Alternatively, establishing his jumper could pull Davis away from the rim. Jackson Jr. has made the first Grizzlies bucket in 4 of his last 8 starts. He could do so again tonight having already done so once against the Lakers this season.
Check out our Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies SGP at +448 odds
Heat vs Bucks first basket best bet: Brook Lopez (+550)
The Milwaukee Bucks have dominated the opening tip against the Miami Heat this season. They have won it in 3 of the 4 games. In all 4 contests, they went on to make the opening bucket. With Brook Lopez towering over Bam Adebayo, do not be surprised to see the same be the case tonight. Over his last 8 starts, Lopez has gone on to make the opening possession on 2 occasions. No other Bucks player has managed more. Look for him to utilize his size early, helping create more space for the shooters. Considering he has started April shooting well from the perimeter himself, making 45.5% of his attempts, he could also be the target of a drive and kick opportunity.
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Clippers vs Suns first basket best bet: Chris Paul (+1600)
Deandre Ayton has been great at winning the opening tip against the Clippers this season. He done so in both of his games against them this season. It’s no fluke either, as the Suns have won the opening possession in 8 of their last 10. After that, Chris Paul looks like a great value selection against his former team. He finished his regular season in great form, averaging 21 points on 56.5% shooting from deep. It would not be surprising to see him come out early and see if he still has the hot hand. With the Clippers having strong wing defenders like Kawhi Leonard, the Suns could turn to an Ayton and Paul pick and roll. The point guard certainly has the ability to convert from there.
Check out our NBA player prop best bets for Sunday
Timberwolves vs Nuggets first basket best bet: Aaron Gordon (+800)
In each of the 4 games between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, the Nuggets have gained the opening possession. Do not be surprised to see the same being the case here. Rudy Gobert is a terrific on ball defender for the visitors, especially in the low post. Look for Nikola Jokic to step out to the top of the key as a result, where his ability to find cutters is second to none. I am expecting Aaron Gordon to benefit from that here. He will likely be picked up by Karl-Anthony Towns, who he should have a speed advantage over. With Gobert pulled away from the basket, Gordon should be able to rise and finish in the paint. He has made the first shot against the visitors once this season and has opened the scoring for the Nuggets in 3 of his last 8 starts.
Check out our Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets predictions
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