Ricky Dimon
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The NCAA Tournament is upon us (as of this evening), but don’t forget about the NBA. With the regular season coming down the home stretch, games are only increasing in importance. It’s a great time for sports bettors, and we will whet those appetites with some first basket best bets on Tuesday.
Let’s take a look at 2 of the best plays.
Grizzlies vs Pacers: Steven Adams +650
The Grizzlies can be expected to have the first possession in their road date with the Pacers on Tuesday. In fact, Memphis is pretty much always favored to win the tip. Steven Adams is the best in the business when it comes to jump balls, having won 62 of 80 this season (77.5 percent). He will be going up against Isaiah Jackson, whose sample size of tips is small and unspectacular (9 of 18 won).
Needless to say, the tipoff is the most important factor that should be looked at when deciding on first-basket bets. Obviously players on whichever team gains possession are going to have by far the best opportunities. At +650 (4th favorite), Adams himself has great value. Indiana is one of the worst teams in the NBA when it comes to defending the paint, allowing 50.4 points per game (5th most). The Pacers have given up an average 57.3 points in the paint over their last 3 contests. Adams, who scored 23 against Houston on March 6, should be able to capitalize early and often.
Check out all of our NBA previews and picks for Tuesday
Suns vs Pelicans: Devin Booker +470
This Suns-Pelicans matchup is another case of the tipoff being a key component. Deandre Ayton will be lining up for Phoenix and he was won 37 of 54 jumps during this 2021-22 campaign (68.5 percent). Ayton will be facing New Orleans big man Jonas Valanciunas, who comes in at 55.1 percent (43 won, 35 lost). That’s a decent percentage, but it doesn’t rival Ayton. It should also be noted that the Lithuanian is 0-3 in jumps against the Suns so far this season. Interestingly, they have come against 3 different players (Ayton once).
If Phoenix gains possession, don’t be surprised if Booker is the beneficiary. Yes he is the favorite at +470, but that still gives him decent value. The former Kentucky standout has scored 30 points in 3 of the last 5 games and without Chris Paul on the court he has to shoulder more of the load than normal. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the association at defending the perimeter, so don’t be surprised if Booker sticks one to them right away.
If you want to go really big, an Adams-Booker parlay pays out at +4175!
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