NBA Best First Basket Bets Today – February 12

First Basket betting is the NBA’s most addictive bet. We live in a world where immediate gratification is constantly available at the tip of our fingers.

From TikTok’s short videos, to ChatGPT, to quick settling bets. We are now accustomed to receiving information and satisfaction fast.

To me, this explains why NBA First Basket betting has become so popular. You watch the game for anywhere from 5 seconds to a minute, and the outcome of your bet is determined.

The popularity of this market has given new life to quick-settling markets, and I am here to provide the best information I can for a hard-to-bet market.

Below are short, medium, and long-range options for tonight’s slate.

Donovan Mitchell (+450 at bet365)

Cleveland’s star guard, Donovan Mitchell, offers solid value at +450. Cavaliers’ center, Jarrett Allen, boasts an impressive 84% win rate in tip-offs, the highest in the league.

This gives Mitchell and the Cavs a great chance to score first. The Raptors’ decision to start Jonathan Mogbo (listed at 6’9”) at center should work in Allen’s favor.

Cleveland has been outstanding in first-basket scoring, doing so 70% of the time over the last 20 days.

Additionally, Toronto allows 25% of first baskets to the shooting guard position. With Gradey Dick or Immanuel Quickley likely guarding Mitchell on the first possession, this feels like a great opportunity for another quick score.

If you are looking for something longer, Evan Mobley is a nice option going against an undersized team in Toronto.

Anthony Edwards (+800 at bet365)

Anthony Edwards presents an interesting longshot at +800. While Rudy Gobert has won 2 out of 3 tip-offs against Brook Lopez, the real value lies in Edwards’ shot-taking prowess.

He takes the first shot in 19.6% of the Timberwolves’ games, a high rate that makes this price somewhat confusing.

Other sportsbooks offer much shorter odds on Edwards, with DraftKings at +425 and FanDuel at +650.

Getting Edwards at +800 feels like a steal here, and one we should be jumping on. 

The Bucks will also be without Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight. Although it’s just one possession, his absence removes significant size and defensive prowess from the Bucks, further helping Edwards’s chances of scoring first.

Edwards is one of the league’s most aggressive players and continually shoots early and often.

Zach Edey (+1100 at DraftKings)

Zach Edey is the league’s tallest and biggest player. Standing at 7’4 and 305 lbs, Edey presents an enticing opportunity at +1100.

Edey’s continued dominance in jump ball situations is a key factor, winning 74% of opening tips.

The Clippers, his opponent tonight, have shown vulnerability to centers scoring first, allowing the highest percentage (23%) of first baskets to centers. Edey’s 1-0 head-to-head tip-off record against Zubac helps further the cause.

At +1100, this feels like strong value, even on a team with prolific scorers in Bane, Jackson, and Morant.