Andrew Ortenberg
Show Bio
The NBA playoffs are officially in full swing, and it’s been hard to complain about the action we’ve seen so far. There have been plenty of thrills, and we have another pivotal game on Saturday as Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets meet Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks for a crucial Game 6. It’s an elimination game; doesn’t get much more exciting than that! At Pickswise we have tons of great content for the playoffs, including same game parlays, mega parlays, and picks on the side and total for every single matchup.
But right now we’re going to talk about one of my favorite props: first-basket bets. Let’s dive into my favorite play for Thursday.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Nets at Bucks – Kevin Durant +650
This price is too good to pass up. Oddsmakers are treating the Bucks like massive favorites to score first, and I just don’t think that’s justified. Antetokounmpo is +330, Khris Middleton is +470, and Jrue Holiday is +550. That’s three different Bucks players with significantly lower odds than Durant.
The Bucks are the favorite to win the tip for sure, but certainly aren’t a lock. In fact, the Nets started with the ball in Game 5. Durant scored the first bucket in that one, just like he did in Game 4. He has scored the first basket in back-to-back games, so I love him at +650 to make it three in a row.
To say Durant was unconscious in Game 5 would be a big understatement. He dropped 49 points, and with Kyrie Irving out and James Harden hobbled, his volume will once again be off the charts here. He has plenty of momentum, and head coach Steve Nash will make getting him going early a priority.
Don’t forget to read our same game parlay for Nets vs. Bucks (+1392 odds!)
Pickswise is the home of free NBA picks and predictions. Make sure to also check out our NBA parlays and NBA prop bets tabs for more expert picks.
