Knicks vs. Celtics NBA Playoffs First Basket Scorers (Wednesday)
On Monday, I added Jaylen Brown and Nikola Jokic to score the first baskets in their respective games. Jokic delivered and Brown didn’t. However, Brown still took the first shot in Game 1 against the Knicks.
Will the outcomes differ in tonight’s Game 2 matchups? I’ve added two first-basket wagers. Here’s my top NBA first basket scorer prediction for Knicks vs. Celtics.
Follow along and make sure to check out our NBA First Basket Prop Bet Cheat Sheet for help identifying all of today’s best prop bets.
Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Bets: Knicks vs. Celtics
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Who will score the first basket in today’s NBA games? We compare historical first-basket stats to prop bet odds to help identify today’s best bets. View first-basket odds across sportsbooks here.
Knicks vs. Celtics
Kristaps Porzingis won the tip in 80% of games in the regular season. He also added a tip-off win against Karl-Anthony Towns in Game 1 of the series. Ultimately, the Celtics scored first in 62% of games and will face a Knicks squad that only scored first 46% of the time this year.
It’s still likely the Celtics win the tip on their home floor. They started Game 1 very well but got too comfortable and settled down the line. It’s still likely the Celtics get out to an early lead and score first.
The Knicks have allowed the first basket to small forwards 32% of the time this season. That’s the highest rate in the NBA. The Grizzlies are second on the list and have allowed the first basket 26% of the time to small forwards.
This is why I chose Jaylen Brown in Game 1 and will try my luck with Brown again.
Brown leads the Celtics with the team’s first basket in 30% of games. He’s also attempted the team’s first field goal attempt in 31% of games. Let’s give Brown another try.
Pick: Jaylen Brown (+450)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: