Sure, the NBA came back last night, but there’s nothing like a good Friday night of NBA games.
We get to sit down on the couch and watch Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young go head-to-head, see how the Bucks adjust without Giannis, and finish out the night with Russell Westbrook’s debut for the Clippers against a really good Sacramento team.
Maybe you like to watch the games at home and lock in, but I know there’s plenty of bettors who will be enjoying the first night of the weekend and heading out on the town. Well maybe you can’t track the whole game, but you can certainly watch for the first basket before heading out for your first drink.
Certainly don’t load up on these bets because they’re hard to hit, but if you sprinkle a couple around and we can hit one or two, you could be in for a very good Friday night. Here are a few of my favorite first basket picks for tonight.
Knicks vs. Wizards first basket scorer prediction
Bradley Beal +550
Porzingis is the odds on favorite and that makes sense with him going against his former team, but there’s serious value on Bradley Beal. First off, the Wizards win the tip 65% of the time because of Porzingis. Second, Beal is responsible for 39% of his team’s first made field goals this year. He has 14 first field goals and three in his last 10 games.
Nets vs. Bulls first basket scorer prediction
Nic Claxton +550
Claxton has 14 first field goals this season and accounts for 26% of his team’s first field goals. That’s not the most important stat in this bet though. He’ll be matched up with Nikola Vucevic who is a defensive liability and only wins the tip 36% of the time. The Nets should have the first possession and it could go to Claxton on a lob.
Kings vs. Clippers first basket scorer prediction
Russell Westbrook +850
It’s the Westbrook honeymoon phase for the Clippers right now. They haven’t realized what a liability he has become and how frustrating he is to play with. This team feels good adding a former MVP and they want to treat him right after his time with the Lakers. This could be Westbrook’s show tonight and the show could start early. If you’re a Clippers fan, it could also make you want to turn it off.
Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change