Germantas Kneita
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We are nearly there. With the NBA regular season wrapping up on Sunday, teams are starting to learn their fate for the postseason. Unsurprisingly, the West is still undecided, especially when looking at the play-in positions. The Dallas Mavericks still have hope of forcing themselves in. Meanwhile the teams from 5th to 9th are separated by just 2 games. There could still be plenty of shuffling between them to come. Make sure you take a look at our NBA predictions for all of tonight’s 11 games. But for now, let’s get into my favorite NBA first-basket scorer props below.
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Knicks vs Pelicans first basket best bet: Brandon Ingram (+460)
With the New York Knicks locked into their position in the East, it will be interesting to see if they run a full-strength lineup tonight. It could really impact not only their chances of winning the tip, but also the ability of their offense to knock down shots. With Jonas Valanciunas helping the New Orleans Pelicans win 80% of their tips over the last 10 games, the hosts should start with the ball here. Brandon Ingram could take over from there. With RJ Barrett potentially sidelined for the visitors, they could have issues matching Ingram’s length on the wing. The Pelicans star has made the team’s opening basket in 3 of his last 10 starts. Look for him to utilize his size advantage to get his shot off against the Knicks.
Raptors vs Celtics first basket best bet: Scottie Barnes (+900)
The Celtics are now in the same position as the Knicks, with this game being all but meaningless for the team. The Raptors on the other hand still have hope of overtaking the Atlanta Hawks. Look for them to come out fast as a result. The Raptors have been locked in defensively, ranking 3rd in defensive rating over the last 10 games. They should be well positioned to get a stop against the shorthanded hosts even if they do not win the tip. On offense, Scottie Barnes looks good value to get them going. He was 2nd on the team in scoring in their last meeting and should prove to be a mismatch for the Celtics wings in the post. With an effective post hook once he gets close to the basket, Barnes should have the chance to open the scoring tonight.
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Pistons vs Pacers first basket best bet: Andrew Nembhard (+750)
Over the last 10 games, Andrew Nembhard has made the opening field goal for the Pacers on 4 occasions. No other Pacer has managed more. 3 of those were the first shot in the game overall. Over that same stretch of games, the Detroit Pistons are just 28th in the league in offensive rating. That should help ensure Nembhard gets a shot at the first basket even if the Pacers fail to win the tip.
The point guard could find himself picked up by Killian Hayes tonight. The Pistons man is not someone that stands out with his athleticism and could be an easy target off the dribble. With tonight’s visitors also having 2 natural centers in their starting 5, do not be surprised to see Nembhard navigate a high pick-and-roll and get to the rim. He made 38.6% of his 3-pointers last month and should be a threat if Hayes decides to go under the screen instead too.
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