Ricky Dimon
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The NCAA Tournament is in full swing, but don’t forget about the NBA. With the regular season coming down the home stretch, games are increasing in importance. It’s a great time for sports bettors, and we will whet those appetites with first basket best bets on Wednesday.
Let’s take a look at 2 of the best plays for today’s massive 11-game schedule.
Jazz vs Celtics – Jayson Tatum +750
The Celtics can be expected to have the first possession in their home date with the Jazz on Wednesday. Boston being favored to win the opening tipoff is nothing new, of course. Robert Williams is one of the best in the business when it comes to jump balls, having won 46 of 68 this season (67.7%). He will be going up against his Rudy Gobert, who is solid but unspectacular (55.4%).
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. Assuming the Celtics do so, Tatum at +750 (6th favorite) has good value. He has scored at least 30 points in 3 straight games and in 8 of 11 during March. In the only previous head-to-head meeting this season, the Duke product attempted 25 shots and scored 37 points. Tatum should be hot early and often in this one.
Check out all of our NBA previews for Wednesday
Rockets vs Mavericks – Jalen Green +900
This Rockets-Mavericks matchup is another case of the tipoff being a key component. Christian Wood will be lining up for Houston and he is excellent in the tipoff department at 63.2% (48 won, 28 lost). Dallas is countering with Dwight Powell, who is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Powell comes in at an anemic 29.3% (12 won, 29 lost).
If the Rockets gain possession, don’t be surprised if Green is the beneficiary. When one of the best players on the floor has +850 odds (sixth favorite), you obviously take a serious look at capitalizing on such an offer. In 12 games this month, Green has eclipsed his season average of 15.7 ppg on 10 occasions; he has scored at least 20 points 7 times during this stretch. In the last 3 games he has twice attempted a shot inside the first 2 minutes and in the other contest he scored within the first 3 minutes. Don’t be surprised if the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft involves himself right away on Wednesday night.
Check out our full game preview for Rockets vs Mavericks
If you want to go really big, a Tatum-Green parlay pays out at +8400!
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