Ricky Dimon
Similar to the YRFI/NRFI market in baseball, you don’t have to wait long when it comes to first baskets in the NBA. In fact, this is about as quick of a bet payout as you can possibly imagine.
The NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers now changes location after the Thunder took care of business at home in Game 2 to level the series following a last-second loss in the opener. Game 3 in Indiana on Wednesday night could hardly be more important for each team. As underdogs, the Pacers will be especially eager to start fast after falling behind early in both Game 1 and Game 2. You can find out our NBA picks for every remaining game of the playoffs, but for now let’s break down my Thunder vs Pacers first basket best bet for Game 3. We’ve hit 3 of our last 4 first basket picks at +450, +425 and +700 odds, so let’s cash another tonight!
Read our Thunder vs Pacers Game 3 prediction from our expert who is up +44.4 units this season!
Thunder vs Pacers first basket best bet: Luguentz Dort (+1400)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
The most important aspect of the first-basket market is to win the opening tip, because that obviously gives you the first chance at paydirt. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren has won each of the 2 jumps so far in the NBA Finals, making him 3-for-4 against Indiana’s Myles Turner this season after they split the 2 regular-season tips. You have to like Holmgren’s chances of corralling the ball for his team again on Wednesday.
If that turns out to be the case, Luguentz Dort should be looked upon as a strong first-basket candidate. Especially at long +1400 odds (tied for the longest among Game 3’s 10 starters), the Oklahoma City shooting guard has great value. Dort has attempted the game’s first shot 14.6 percent of the time in 2024-25, second among all players on these 2 rosters behind only teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (18.4 percent). After scoring only 3 points on Sunday, the Arizona State product will want to restore confidence right away in Game 3. And we know he can. Dort went for double-digits in both the Game 5 clincher against Minnesota (12 points) and in Game 1 against Indiana (15).
Find out ThatGuyBets’ best Thunder vs Pacers player prop bet for Game 3 — he’s 13-3 this season!
