After hitting a +470 first basket scorer prop with Julius Randle last night, I am back with 3 new selections today. There are jut 4 games on the NBA slate today but there is still plenty of first basket scorer prop value to be found. The featured games on NBA TV will see the New York Knicks trying to solidify their standing as the 5th seed as they take on the Orlando Magic. That will be followed up by the Oklahoma City Thunder v isiting the Los Angeles Clippers. Check out the first basket scorer prop I have picked for that game out below. And do not forget to take a look at the rest of our NBA picks too.
Over his last 9 starts for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Darius Garland has made the teams opening basket on 3 occasions. That is tied for the most with Donovan Michell during that stretch. It makes him a good value pick to knock down the first shot in this game too. The Cavaliers have won the opening tip in 8 of their last 10 games. With the team 2nd in defensive rating and the Brooklyn Nets 26th in offensive rating, it is likely they could get more than one shot of needed. With a great screen setter like Jarrett Allen on the floor with him, Garland should have success creating enough space for an open shot. I expect Mikal Bridges to pick up Mitchell so Garland will have the easier matchup of the pair. Look for the visitors to go to him first.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been rewarding Jonas Valanciunas for winning the team the opening possessions of late. He has helped them gain the ball first in 8 of their last 10 games. Over that stretch, he knocked down their first basket on 5 occasions. 3 of those were the first in the game overall. He will have a weight advantage over Nick Richards down low tonight and could have success posting up. Alternatively, Richards is a keen shot blocker and could leave the Lithuanian open if he goes to help on drives. Valanciunas scored 30 points when these sides last met, and the hosts could look to get him established early once more here. Considering the Hornets are bottom of the league over the last 10 games in offensive rating, the Pelicans could get multiple attempts.
Russell Westbrook has enjoyed playing against his former team this season. Over 2 games he is averaging 21 points per game over the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Paul George spraining his knee, look for Westbrook to play a bigger role offensively tonight. The Thunder are in the bottom third in the NBA in blocks per game. Their lack of length at the rim should allow the Clippers point guard to finish his drives efficiently. With Ivica Zubac having a couple of inch height advantage over Jaylin Williams, there is a good chance he will gain the first possession for the Clippers. With a great on ball defender like Luguentz Dort on Kawhi Leonard, look for the Clippers to turn to Westbrook. If they can establish him as a offensive threat early, it should open up better looks for others.