Of course, there are plenty out there taking blind guesses at this stuff. It’s easy to pick the most popular player or look at what happened last game. However, we spent the time pouring through the analytics to make sure that we give you the best odds to stay in the green on these first FG props for November 19.
Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games, and be sure to check out the odds at Bet365 – they give some of the best odds out there
Go here for daily free NBA picks!
NBA First FG Props – November 19
Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers
Tipoff – 5:00 pm EST
Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, Indiana
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
The numbers might not look all that different on the tip between the Magic and the Pacers. However, some of that is due to the early success of Magic center Wendell Carter. Since he’s been out, the Magic have been leaning on Goga Bitadze, who is 0-7 on the tip. They also only have one first bucket in that time. This should be an easy tip win and an easy first score for the Pacers.
Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 16.3 shots per game, which is four more than any other member of the team. While center Myles Turner leads the team in first field goals, with three, Hiliburton is tight on his heels with two. I think he snags another here.
First FG Bet for November 19: Tyrese Haliburton (+800)
Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Tipoff – 6:00 pm EST
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – Cleveland, Ohio
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
The team is easy to pick here thanks to the data. The Cavaliers are getting half of the first buckets on the season and are winning tips at 58.3%. While that might not seem insanely good, it’s far better from what we’ve seen from the Nuggets. The Nuggets are grabbing just 41.7% of the tips. That 15% is significant. With nearly 68% of the tip winners getting the first bucket, you have to go with a Cavalier here.
With the big man Jokic in the middle on defense, I think the Cavaliers are going to shoot a three-pointer out of the gate. Although Donovan Mitchell takes a ton of threes, shortly behind him is Max Strus. He’s also been fairly accurate on the season, which makes his number a fun play.
First FG Bet for November 19: Max Strus (+800)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trailblazers
Tipoff – 9:00 pm EST
Moda Center – Portland, Oregon
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
The Thunder, with Chet Holmgren at the helm, has been phenomenal on the tip. They have a 69.2% success rate. They’re getting nearly the same amount of first buckets as well. The Blazers are tipping well at 58.3% – which is still 10% behind the Thunder. However, they are awful on the first bucket – largely due to some poor shooting.
On the Thunder, there are a number of longshots and then there is the obvious chalk. Chet Holmgren has four of the last five first buckets for the Thunder. He’s the highest percentage shooter on the starting team and they love him early in the game. There’s no reason not to ride along.
First FG Bet for November 19: Chet Holmgren (+550)
If you’d like even more info to help make your first FG bets for November 19, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
