Andrew Ortenberg
Show Bio
The NBA is approaching the home stretch, and we have a small but interesting slate on Wednesday. There are 6 games on the docket, including a couple of highly anticipated showdowns. What better way to celebrate hump day than with some first-basket bets? Let’s dive into them, using odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Wizards vs Hawks: Kristaps Porzingis +390
One of the most important factors when handicapping first basket props is determining who will start with the ball, and the Wizards have a clear advantage there. Hawks center Clint Capela isn’t too good at winning opening tip-offs. In fact, his success rate is below 42 percent. Kristaps Porzingis might not strike you as the most dynamic athlete, but he’s pretty good at jump-balls nonetheless. The Wizards’ recently acquired big man is winning over 63 percent of his jumps this season.
Speaking of Porzingis, I also think he’ll be scoring the first basket here. He’s really been thriving since getting traded to the Wizards, and is starting to look like his old self. Washington is 5-2 in their past seven games, and Porzingis scored at least 23 points in all five of those wins. He’s been very efficient, and in the Wizards’ most recent game he dropped 25 in only 27 minutes. His volume has been consistent, and he should take at least 15 shots here despite not playing heavy minutes.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Washington Wizards vs Atlanta Hawks
Clippers vs Suns: Chris Paul +1400
We went with a chalky selection for our first play, so it’s only right we go with a longshot to wrap us up. Getting Paul at 14/1 is just too good to pass up. For starters, Phoenix seems very likely to start with ball. Deandre Ayton is one of the best big men in the league at jump balls, as he’s winning more than 67 percent of his tips. Clippers center Ivica Zubac is at barely above 38 percent on the year. From there, Paul makes a lot more sense to me than some of his lower-priced teammates.
His scoring has dipped the past couple games as he hasn’t played a ton of minutes, but in each of his first three games after returning from injury he dropped at least 15 points. Paul obviously has an axe to grind with the Clippers, and he often plays even better with added motivation.
He’s averaging only 11.4 shot attempts per game on the season, but he’s taken 14 all three times he’s played the Clippers this season. And he’s capable of being aggressive early in the game. In the Suns’ most recent game against the Lakers, Paul took four shots in the first five minutes.
If you want to go really big, a Porzingis-Paul parlay pays out at +7250!
Make sure you read our NBA mega parlay for tonight’s action (+1333 odds!)
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.
