Andrew Ortenberg
Show Bio
The NBA is back in action, baby. The all-star break is officially in the rearview mirror, and we have another full slate on Wednesday. We’ve got a big card with eight games scheduled, including an intriguing doubleheader on ESPN. What better way to celebrate the start of the weekend than with some first basket bets? Let’s dive into them, using odds from FanDuel Sportsbook:
Pacers vs Magic: Buddy Hield +650
One of the most important things when betting first basket props is determining who is going to win the opening tip-off and start with ball. These teams just played each other in their most recent game, and Isaiah Jackson won the tip over Mo Bamba. I don’t see any reason to believe he won’t do so again here. The Pacers will likely start with the first possession, and nobody likes to chuck it like Buddy Hield does. Two games ago against the Celtics, Hield took Indiana’s first shot. In their previous game against OKC he took each of the team’s firs two shots, making them both. Hield’s touches have increased dramatically since getting traded from Sacramento. With the Kings he was averaging only 12.6 field goal attempts per game, and with the Pacers that’s increased to 16.7.
Knicks vs 76ers : Joel Embiid +350
Shifting our attention now to one of the more high profile nationally televised games. Getting only +350 is pretty chalky here, but I still think it makes sense. Embiid is a volume machine right now, and he particularly likes to get the action started early. Remember with FanDuel, this prop is just for who will score the first point, which includes free throws. And Embiid attempted a whopping 27 free throws when these teams just played each other the other day. The 76ers have now played two games with Embiid and James Harden in the lineup. In their most recent game, also against New York, Embiid went up with the team’s first two attempts and took five of the first eight overall. In that first game alongside Harden against the Timberwolves, Embiid scored the game’s first point and took three of Philly’s first four shots.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers
Trail Blazers vs Suns: Cameron Johnson +750
The market for this game changed dramatically early on Wednesday when it was announced that Devin Booker would miss the game due to COVID-19 protocols. Deandre Ayton almost always wins the tip, so I think the Suns are definitely going to start with ball here. And Chris Paul is also out for Phoenix. Meaning this prop is wide open, and Johnson makes a lot of sense at +750. In the Suns’ most recent contest against Utah, Johnson made the game’s first basket. His role on offense has been increasing lately, and he’s taken at least 11 shots in every game since Paul got hurt. Also for what it’s worth, Johnson is attempting 1.5 more field goals per game at home than on the road this year.
Check out all of our NBA previews and picks for Thursday
If you want to go really big, a Hield-Embiid-Johnson parlay pays out at +28587!
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.
