There are just 2 games on the NBA slate on Thursday with both games being shown live on TNT. The first of the games will see the Boston Celtics visit the Milwaukee Bucks. The teams currently occupy the top 2 spots in the Eastern Conference. With the season winding to a close, the Bucks could all but guarantee home court advantage throughout the playoffs in the east with a win tonight. Then later out west, the New Orleans Pelicans will visit the Denver Nuggets. While the hosts are sitting comfortably at the top of the conference, the Pelicans are under preasure. They are involved in a major battle for playoff standings and cannot afford to go on a poor run, as it could see them slip out of the picture all together.
You can find my favourite first basket scorer props for each of the games below. And do not forget to read our predictions for the outcomes of those games too.
The Boston Celtics could have issues wrestling the opening possession away from the Milwaukee Bucks. Al Horford has been jumping at the opening tip for the team but he has won just 3 of his last 10. The Bucks on the other hand have won 7 during that time, thanks to the help of Brook Lopez. With the Bucks center being taller and with a longer reach, the Bucks can expect to get the ball first here.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to be the one to get the first shot tonight. In his last 8 starts, he has made the opening field goal for his team on 4 occasions. He is also likely to be picked up by Jayson Tatum tonight. Not only will he have a size and strength advantage over the forward, but he will also have an incentive to go right at him. Tatum is the Celtics leading scorer, and it would benefit the Bucks if he picked up some early fouls. Antetokounmpo has averaged 16.5 free throw attempts per game against the Celtics this season. Do not be surprised to see him power his way through to the charity stripe tonight.