NBA Best First Basket Bets Today – March 5

It has been an interesting few days for the NBA since I last wrote. The Lakers and Warriors both continue to dominate.

Just two months ago, we were wondering if Steph Curry was past his prime, with the Warriors firmly in the play-in and seemingly out of sorts.

Everything has changed; Curry is leading the league in scoring over the past few months, and Golden State has become a juggernaut with Jimmy Butler on board.

In Los Angeles, the Lakers look like a real contender. Luka Dončić has found his rhythm, and the LeBron-Dončić combo continues to impress with another great win last night.

Watching this team, Luka is figuring everything out in real time. He is incredibly cerebral on the court, and their offense is playing on another level.

In more upsetting news, we lost another star to injury. Kyrie Irving tore his ACL on Monday night and will miss the rest of the season and possibly more.

Since the Luka trade, the Mavericks are heading in the opposite direction of the Lakers.

They got three quarters out of Anthony Davis before he left with an injury. Given the Kyrie news, my guess is they will shut him down for the season.

This was meant to be a “win now” trade, and now Dallas is without both Irving and likely Davis for the season. You just can’t make this stuff up—it’s unbelievably depressing for Dallas fans.

With that in mind, let’s dive into my first basket picks, with a game featuring the newly cursed Dallas Mavericks.

Note: Odds were correct at the time of writing.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (+425) at BetMGM

Since the All-Star break, Giannis has come out more aggressive.

Over his last 10 games, he has scored first three times and scored the Bucks’ first basket eight times.

Over those games, Milwaukee is 8-2, firmly settled into the top six of the East, with a six-game lead over seventh-place Miami.

The Bucks are officially turning it around. After a rocky start, the Kyle Kuzma trade has brought new life to this team.

The tip should also go Milwaukee’s way with Brook Lopez. Dallas is starting the undersized Dwight Powell due to their top three starting centers being out.

Lopez is 2-0 head-to-head against Powell and has a three-inch height advantage here.

Giannis will be guarded by some assortment of Powell, Kessler Edwards, and possibly not Klay Thompson (since Thompson plays for the Warriors), but rather another defender.

Three defenders who are not equipped to slow down Giannis. In his last three games against the Mavs, Giannis has scored 29, 48, and 40 points.

While his odds are very short, I love the +450 at BetMGM. Everything is pointing to another strong start by the Greek Freak.

Odds Comparison for Antetokounmpo First Basket

Sportsbook	Odds
bet365	+350
DraftKings	+350
FanDuel	+350
BetMGM	+450

Mark Williams (+600) at BetMGM/bet365

For about four days, Mark Williams was the most talked-about player in the NBA. His trade to the Lakers for rookie Dalton Knecht was a major talking point, and then it all collapsed.

The Lakers failed Williams on his physical, and he was right back in Charlotte.

Since then, Williams has been playing at a decently high level. He has six double-doubles in his last nine games and has continued to impress in his second season.

He has never taken a tip against Wolves’ faux center Naz Reid (Rudy Gobert is out with a back injury since February 5th).

Williams wins 79% of his tips, while Reid wins 14%, and Williams has a major size advantage at seven feet tall.

Without Gobert in the lineup, Williams should be a focal point of the Hornets’ offense tonight. He will be the biggest player on the court, and the Hornets should look to get him going early.

Over his last eight starts, he has scored two first baskets and been involved in six team first baskets.

Williams should continue to see early touches, and with the Hornets havin first possession I love this matchup for the young center.

Odds Comparison for Williams First Basket

Sportsbook	Odds
FanDuel	+450
DraftKings	+475
BetMGM	+600
bet365	+600

Khris Middleton (+700) at DraftKings

Tonight’s Jazz-Wizards game is one for the ages. With a laundry list on the injury report, this is one of those games where you bet on the first basket scorer and immediately turn it off.

With Utah missing multiple starters, we will have a rookie tip-off.

Alex Sarr, standing at 7’1″, will take on Kyle Flipkowski at 6’11″. Sarr has the height advantage and is the superior athlete.

The former second overall pick should win this tip, as Washington will have the opening possession.

With the Wizards missing their leading scorer, Jordan Poole, I think this is a great spot for Khris Middleton to get an early look. The veteran has taken 20% of the first shots for Washington since joining the team and has a nice matchup tonight against Johnny Juzhang or Brice Sensabaugh.

Middleton has yet to find his rhythm since departing Milwaukee. He hasn’t been the same player all season, and I think it’s mainly attributed to his knees.

With that said, this is a team full of unproven young players, and he will have every opportunity to take shots.

Look for Middleton to shoot frequently tonight; this is a great spot against a similarly skilled opponent.

Odds Comparison for Gilgeous-Alexander to Score First Basket

Sportsbook	Odds
BetMGM	+600
bet365	+600
FanDuel	+600
DraftKings	+700

Jamie’s record this season: 2-7