The Friday NBA schedule is the penultimate day of standard season motion, and with all 30 groups are in motion, all lively gamers will be utilized in NBA prop bets for NBA first basket picks. Maybe essentially the most essential of the day’s slate is Grizzlies vs. Nuggets (-6.5) at 9 p.m. ET since only one sport separates the 2 groups within the NBA playoff image. Neither Nikola Jokic nor Ja Morant performed within the first two conferences between these groups, however they may very well be among the many most focused choices in NBA prop bets. Jokic is at +440 at BetMGM Sportsbook to be the NBA first basket scorer, whereas Jaren Jackson Jr. (+575) truly has shorter NBA odds than Morant (+600).

SportsLine knowledgeable handicapper Jimmie Kaylor has damaged down the NBA odds for each sport on Friday and locked in three first basket scorer prop bets. Kaylor is a handicapper and DFS professional for SportsLine who received a DraftKings Millionaire contest in 2022 and in addition has a number of five-figure match wins on his DFS resume. Listed below are Kaylor’s prime three first basket scorer bets for Friday.

Bam Adebayo (+500 at FanDuel) in Warmth vs. Pelicans

The Pelicans common the fourth-fewest factors within the first quarter of any NBA crew, in order that places the deal with Miami gamers for first basket picks. Tyler Herro is an possibility, however he was extremely criticized for poor shot choice late in Wednesday’s loss to Chicago, so he could also be a bit hesitant to fireside pictures up proper after the tip. With Andrew Wiggins nonetheless working his means again from damage, and scoring 16 or fewer in every of his final three video games, Bam Adebayo seems to be the best choice. It actually does not damage that simply considered one of his 4 video games with 23-plus factors on 64% capturing this season got here earlier this yr versus New Orleans.

“Adebayo has been one of many prime first basket scorers within the NBA this season. The veteran heart has scored the primary basket in 15 video games, and the Warmth as a crew have scored first in 40 video games. Adebayo has taken the primary shot for the Warmth 21.1% of the time this season,” Kaylor revealed.

Ja Morant (+600 at FanDuel) in Grizzlies vs. Nuggets

Kaylor notes that Memphis has received the opening tip in 70% of its video games this season. Plus, with Jamal Murray (hamstring) uncertain, even when Denver was to achieve first possession, anticipate the Grizzlies to swarm Jokic from the soar, which might lower his probabilities of scoring first. Memphis has three gamers averaging in between 19.2 and 23.2 factors in Morant, Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, however Morant tops the crew in first quarter factors (6.2) and first quarter FGAs (4.8).

“Morant has been on a tear, averaging 32.5 factors in his final 4 video games. The previous Murray State standout has made 48 begins this season and scored the primary basket in eight video games. Morant has tried the primary shot in 20.8% of the video games he is performed in,” Kaylor mentioned, with the very best NBA odds for Morant coming at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Kyle Kuzma (+850 at FanDuel) in Bucks vs. Pistons

Kuzma has discovered his capturing stroke and has knocked down at the very least 50% of his FGAs in three straight video games. That is simply the second time this season — and first with the Bucks — that he is had this sort of streak over three video games, and he additionally had considered one of his finest performances of the season in opposition to Friday’s opponent within the Pistons. He shot 71.4% from the sphere, his third-highest mark of the season, en path to 22 factors in his lone matchup versus Detroit earlier this yr. 

“Kuzma has made 30 begins since becoming a member of the Bucks and has scored the primary basket in 5 video games,” mentioned Kaylor. “Damian Lillard is out for the Bucks, and Kuzma has tried the primary shot in 22.6% of his video games with Milwaukee. The Bucks have received the opening tip in 58.8% of their video games and have linked on 44 first baskets as a crew.”

Need extra NBA picks for tonight?

You have seen an knowledgeable’s NBA prop picks for first basket scorer on Friday. Now, get NBA projections for each prop from the SportsLine mannequin which is on a 155-115 roll on all top-rated NBA picks courting again to final season.

You may also view extra knowledgeable betting recommendation earlier than making Friday NBA picks or participant props. Go to SportsLine now to see knowledgeable Bruce Marshall’s picks, which incorporates an against-the-spread decide for the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, from an knowledgeable who’s 85-59-1 (+2003) over his final 145 NBA picks.

SportsLine has a number of consultants who concentrate on participant props, together with Prop Guess Man Doug, who’s 133-104 (+1357) over his final 237 participant props. Go to SportsLine now to see who Prop Guess Man is together with in his NBA participant prop picks for Friday, which features a play on Luka Doncic.