Andrew Ortenberg
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The NBA is approaching the home stretch, and we have another full slate on Sunday. There is a big card with 8 games on the docket, including an intriguing double-header on ABC. What better way to celebrate the weekend than with some first basket bets? Let’s dive into them, using odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Grizzlies vs Thunder: Ja Morant +600
This isn’t the most high profile game on Sunday’s board, but there’s a spot I think has good value. One of the most important factors for first basket prop bets is, of course, who will start with ball. And Grizzlies center Steven Adams takes jump balls very seriously. It’s not hyperbole to say he might be the best in the league at them. Adams is winning more than 77 percent of his tips this year, which is the best mark in the NBA for anyone with at least 10 jump balls
On Friday I identified Grizzlies forward Desmond Bane as someone with value at +950. Oddsmakers have now adjusted and brought his odds down to +650. With that in mind, I’m now looking toward Morant at 6/1. Jaren Jackson Jr and Adams both have lower odds than Morant, which to me seems misguided. Morant’s volume has been off the charts lately, and in Memphis’ most recent game he took 33 shots from the floor.
That was more than twice as many as any of his teammates. He took nine shots in the first nine minutes of the game, so he’s clearly capable of starting early, as well.
Lakers vs Suns: Cameron Payne +1500
We went a bit chalky with our first play, so it’s only right that we go with a bit of a long-shot for our next first basket play. Payne has the highest odds of anyone being offered for this game at FanDuel, which doesn’t make sense to me. Austin Reaves is more likely to make the first basket than Payne? Yeah, I’m skeptical. In Phoenix’s most recent game against Toronto, Payne took the first shot of the night.
He ended up dropping 24 points on 18 shots and led the Suns in scoring. Over his last five games Payne is averaging 16.4 shots from the floor, and he’s taking advantage of Chris Paul being out of the lineup. Yet he’s still being priced like he’s a deep reserve.
If you want to go really big, a Morant-Payne parlay pays out at +6300!
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