Best NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bets for Today 4/23: Klay gets going again

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson
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Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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There are 4 games on the NBA slate on Sunday. We have another potential sweep tonight as the Denver Nuggets will look to close out their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Outside of that the New York Knicks will be looking to maintain the homecourt advantage they have earned over the Clevelend Cavaliers. With all of todays games back-to-back and all on national television, we should be in for a great day of basketball.

Be sure to take a look at all of our NBA playoff predictions. But for now, check out my first basket scorer selections below.

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Kings vs Warriors first basket best bet: Klay Thompson (+480)

Kevon Looney went on to win the tip in 2 of the 3 games so far in the series. With Domantas Sabonis not being the most accomplished player at jumping for the ball, Looney will have a great chance. Klay Thompson will have a great chance of making the first shot. No other Warrior has opened the scoring for the team more often than the guard. He attempted the first shot for the Warriors in Game 3 but ended up missing. I expect him to convert here. The Kings were 26th in opponent 3-point percentage in the regular season. It is about time Thompson punishes them in that area. Back him to make the first shot of the game.

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Celtics vs Hawks first basket best bet: Dejounte Murray (+650)

Clint Capela has won the opening tip for the Atlanta Hawks in 2 of the 3 games against the Celtics so far. With 36-year-old Al Horford jumping against him, he should be heavily favored to win the ball here too. Do not be surprised to see Dejounte Murray take things over from there. He has been aggressive looking for his own shot in the series, attempting more than any other Atlanta Hawk. He has already gone one to make the first shot for the Hawks once over the 3 games. With the easier matchup in the backcourt going up against Derrick White, he should be remain aggressive here.

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Nuggets vs Timberwolves first basket best bet: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (+2000)

This just seems like a incredible value selection. In each of the first 3 games of the series, the Nuggets have gained the opening possession in each one. The same is likely to be the case tonight. From the Nuggets, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope looks a good pick. He has had a good start to his postseason, shooting 50% or above from the field in 2 games. Nikola Jokic has been playing a larger playmaking role, upping his assists totals game on game. Caldwell-Pope should be a target for him, especially with his cutting and 3-point ability. The forward is making 42.3% of his attempts from deep. He made the first basket for the Nuggets in 8 of his 79 starts this season. This is a good value selection as a result.

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