Best NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bets for Today 5/11: Embiid does it again

The Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to close out their series at home against the Boston Celtics in the first game of the ESPN double-header. They will be keen to avoid a Game 7 in Boston, especially with Embiid likely needing more time to rest niggling injuries. That game will be followed by the Phoenix Suns looking to stay alive in their series against the Denver Nuggets. A win at home tonight would get them back to Denver for one more game.

Check out my first basket scorer picks for these games below. And do not forget to check out our NBA predictions on the sides and totals for the action too.

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Celtics vs 76ers first basket best bet: Joel Embiid (+280)

Joel Embiid has controlled the openings of games against the Celtics during this series. He has helped the 76ers gain the opening possession in 4 of the 5 games so far. While he did lose the opening tip to Al Horford in Game 5, his size and length advantage should allow him to get back to winning the tip in Game 6. Embiid has gone on to score the first points in 3 of the 4 games he played this series. It makes him a terrific value selection to do so once more here. He has scored 30 or more points in 3 straight games and has had success getting to the line, averaging 11.5 attempts per game on 87% shooting. On the season he opened the scoring for the 76ers in 36 of 73 games. Back him once more here to take advantage of his size advantage.

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Nuggets vs Suns first basket best bet: Cameron Payne (+1800)

Suns center Deandre Ayton has gained the opening possession against Nikola Jokic in 4 straight games this series. With a streak like that, it is hard not to expect him to help the Suns gain the ball once more. Cameron Payne looks like a great value selection to use that to score the first points of the game. The Chris Paul replacement has started 3 games this series. In one, he took and missed the first shot of the game and in another 2 he opened the scoring for his team. One of these were the first points in the game overall. Devin Booker as been on fire and is likely to see double teams tonight, with Kevin Durant likely to get similar defensive attention. It should leave players like Payne with opportunities to attack. With his recent success at the start of games, this becomes a good value selection.

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