NBA Best First Basket Bets Today – March 26

The race for playoff seeding and gaining a homecourt edge continues across the NBA as the playoffs loom on April 15. 

The second seed is still up for grabs in the Western Conference, while the third seed is available for the taking in the Eastern Conference.

We’ve provided two first field goal scorer picks below for Jaylen Brown (BOS at PHO) and Luka Doncic (LAL at IND). 

Remember to wager responsibly, as first basket picks are considered more long-shot bets, and keep a watchful eye on your bankroll.

Note: Odds were correct at the time of writing.

Jaylen Brown at Suns (+440) at FanDuel

Jayson Tatum suffered an ankle injury against the Kings on Monday and is doubtful to play tonight against the Suns.

He’s the leading scorer (27.1 points per game) for the Celtics and his injury now puts Brown (22.5 points per game) into the lead role. 

The 2024 Finals MVP, Brown, has scored the first basket in 19.3% (11/57) of his games played and has scored first for the Celtics in 36 of 57 contests. He ranks first on the team in this category.

Regarding the tip-off battle between centers, Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis (7-foot-2) holds a height advantage over Phoenix’s 7-footer, Nick Richards. 

Boston has won the first tip in 66.7% of its last 15 outings, and Brown has been hot, scoring three first baskets in his last 11 starts (27.3%).

The Suns have also won 66.7% of first tips in their last 15 games, but Porzingis’ advantage is strong on this occasion.

Porzingis is just behind Jaylen Brown at +430 to score the first basket, followed by Kevin Durant (+600).

FanDuel is offering the best value compared to other bookmakers, as showcased below.

Odds Comparison for Brown First Basket

Sportsbook	Odds
FanDuel	+420
Caesars	+400
DraftKings	+390

Luka Doncic at Pacers (+500) at FanDuel

To the Mavericks’ general manager Nico Harrison’s dismay, Doncic has been tearing up the league in March. 

The Slovenian is averaging the following per game: 31.2 points, 8.7 assists and 8.6 rebounds. 

Trading the five-time first-team all-pro and last year’s scoring champion has continued to spark criticism and raise eyebrows.

Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (7-feet) holds a slight height advantage over the Pacers’ Myles Turner (6-foot-11).

Over the last 15 games, Los Angeles owns an 80% tip win percentage compared to 13.3% for Indiana.

During that same span in 14 starts, Doncic has taken the first shot 14.3% of the time and made one first basket (7.1%). 

Despite Doncic not scoring first frequently, he’s been the primary scoring option for both the Mavs and Lakers and owns a first-shot attempt percentage of 22.2.

Lebron James is officially listed as a game-time decision but is considered probable to start. He is featured at +500 to score the first basket but hasn’t achieved the feat during his past 10 starts.

At the time of writing, only ESPN BET and FanDuel offered odds on Doncic to score the first field goal.

Odds Comparison for Doncic First Basket

Sportsbook	Odds
ESPN BET	+500
FanDuel	+480