Best NBA first basket scorer prop bets for today 4/9: Anthony Davis comes out with a purpose

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis
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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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Ivica Zubac knocked down the first basket for the Los Angeles Clippers last night, hitting my +470 first-basket scorer prop. Today, I am hoping to close out the regular season on a high with a second straight day with a winning selection. There are plenty of games to pick from, with all of the league’s teams in action. I have picked out 4 of my favourite selections below, so let’s not dwell any further and get right into them. And do not forget to check out all of our NBA predictions too.

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Jazz vs Lakers first basket best bet: Anthony Davis (+380)

At the time of tip off, the Lakers will still harbour hope of making it as one of the top 6 seeds in the Western Conference. Expect them to come out with a full strength lineup looking to get off to a fast start. Against them will be a fatigued Jazz team without Walker Kessler. The absence of the rookie will give the Lakers a much better chance of winning the tip. It would also make the job of getting the games first basket easier for Anthony Davis. Over the last 10 games no Laker has made the team’s opening basket on more occasions. Over that same stretch of games the Jazz are 26th in offensive rating while the Lakers are 6th defensively. They could get more than one shot at this. With a size advantage, Davis should benefit early.

Clippers vs Suns first basket best bet: Ivica Zubac (+500)

After hitting his first basket prop last night, I am sticking with Ivica Zubac tonight. He has maintained his incredible streak of getting the scoring started for the Clippers, having done so in 7 of his last 10 starts. With the Suns having nothing to play for while the Clippers are looking to hold onto the 5th seed, look for the visitors to get off to the better start. Jock Landale looks set to get the start at the 5 for the Suns. The Clippers man should have a size advantage over his opponent, making him the favourite to win the tip. It should also allow him to establish great post position down low if the Clippers look to go to him first. Looking at what they have been doing recently, there is a very good chance of that.

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Pelicans vs Timberwolves first basket best bet: CJ McCollum (+1000)

This looks like a must-win game for the Pelicans, and I expect their veteran players such as CJ McCollum to step up. Luckily for him, Jonas Valanciunas is jumping for the ball for the Pelicans. The Lithuanian has won the tip in 7 of his last 10 games. Against a Timberwolves side that has won it just 4 times over that stretch, he should keep that streak going for his team. The Timberwolves have great size on the inside, so do not be surprised to see the Pelicans turn to their guards for early offense. Mike Conley has the worst defensive rating of the Timberwolves starters, which could make him an early target in an isolation set. McCollum would certainly have the skills to take advantage.

Warriors vs Trail Blazers first basket best bet: Kevon Looney (+1000)

If the Portland Trail Blazers are without Drew Eubanks once again tonight, the Warriors should have a great chance of winning the opening tip. Small forward Kevin Knox II jumped for tip in his absence last night. If the same is the case tonight, the Warriors should have the ball to begin the game. There is a good chance that Kevon Looney could look to utilise his size advantage to make the first basket for the Warriors. In his last 7 starts, Looney has made the first basket for the Warriors on 4 occasions and 2 of those were the first in the game overall. With the Trail Blazers not playing a natural center, he should be a target for the Warriors’ guards tonight. If not, he should be able to create something for himself on the offensive glass.

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