Best NBA first basket scorer prop bets for today 4/8: Clippers turn to Ivica Zubac

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac
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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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The penultimate day of the NBA regular season sees just 6 teams in action. The Los Angeles Clippers will have the most on the line of any team in action. With a loss tonight they would find themselves tied with both the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans, putting their automatic playoff position in jeopardy. With the injury record of players such as Kawhi Leonard, they will be desperate to avoid a play-in game.

You take a look at our NBA predictions for all today’s games. But for now take a look at my favourite first basket scorer props below.

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Trail Blazers vs Clippers first basket best bet: Ivica Zubac (+470)

With Drew Eubanks potentially out for the Portland Trail Blazers, the Clippers and Ivica Zubac will have a great chance of gaining the opening possession. Even if they fail to do so, the fact that the visitors are 29th in offensive rating over the last 10 games means the Clippers are likely to get a shot at it. The team have often been turning to Zubac with their opening possessions. Over his last 10 starts, he has been able to knock down the first shot for the Clippers 7 times. He should be a lob threat tonight on Russell Westbrook drives to the rim and could also have an impact as an offensive rebounder considering the visitors’ lack of size. Look for him to continue his incredible run of getting the Clippers offense started.

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Nuggets vs Jazz first basket best bet: DeAndre Jordan (+750)

With Walker Kessler being ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, it deprives the Utah Jazz of their most dominant shot-blocker. That should give DeAndre Jordan and the Denver Nuggets a great chance not only to win the opening tip but to also make the team’s opening basket. The Nuggets are 6th in the league in points in the paint during the last 10 games and it would not be surprising to see them work the ball inside. Jordan certainly still has enough athleticism to convert close to the rim. The Utah Jazz are 19th over the last 10 games in defensive rating and seem unlikely to put up much resistance, especially with the team now in tank mode. Jordan should be good value to convert.

Take a look at today’s NBA mega parlay!

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