Ricky Dimon
Show Bio
The NCAA Tournament is underway (well, sort of), 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 Wednesday.
Let’s take a look at 2 of the best plays.
Thunder vs Spurs: Dejounte Murray +650
The Spurs can be expected to have the first possession in their home date with the Thunder on Wednesday. Jakob Poeltl has won 43 of hist 75 jump balls this season (57.3 percent) and he is 2-for-2 against the Thunder. Poeltl did not face Darius Bazley on either occasion, but that could be the opponent Poeltl sees across from him in the circle on Wednesday. Bazley stands at only 6’8’’, a good 5 inches shorter than the 7’1’’ Austrian. Advantage: Poeltl.
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), Murray has great value. The sixth-year point guard out of Washington is on fire at the moment, scoring 31, 21, 29, 25, 26, 25, 27, and 30 points in the last 8 games—all outputs higher than his season average of 20.8 ppg. In 3 of the last 4 games, Murray has scored the first basket, attempted the first shot, and made a jumper after 1 minute and 13 seconds. Don’t be surprised if he torches Oklahoma City right from the start.
Check out all of our NBA previews and picks for Wednesday
Celtics vs Warriors – Jayson Tatum +700
This Celtics-Warriors matchup is another case of the tipoff being a key component. Robert Williams III will be lining up for Boston and he was won 44 of 65 jumps during this 2021-22 campaign (67.7 percent), making him one of the best in the league in the tipoff department. Williams will likely run into Golden State big man Kevon Looney, who comes in at a horrendous 36.6 percent (30 won, 52 lost).
If Boston gains possession, don’t be surprised if Tatum is the beneficiary. Similar to the case of Murray, Tatum is one of the best players on the floor and nowhere near the top favorite to score first. At +700, he has value that should not be passed up. Tatum has scored at least 31 points in 5 of the last 6 games, including outputs of 54 and 44. He is brimming with confidence, which should manifest itself early and often on Wednesday.
If you want to go really big, a Murray-Tatum parlay pays out at +5900!
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.
