Some people like to sweat out a bet for 48 hard minutes – others like immediate satisfaction. Count us as being in the latter, which is why we like to get down with NBA first FG props. And we’ve decided to pass that knowledge on to you with our first FG bets for December 15. Go here for NBA Championship odds.
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 in the 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 December 15.
Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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NBA First FG Props – December 15
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
Tipoff – 7:30 pm EST
TD Garden – Boston, Massachusetts
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
There’s really never been a more straight-forward side to get behind. Goga Bitadze is still taking the tips for the Magic and is 1-17 on the season. The Celtics meanwhile are second in both tip percentage and first bucket rate. They managed to keep up those numbers despite missing Kristaps Porzingis, who is now back and winning tips at a 77.8% rate.
The Celtics have had so many early buckets, it’s hard to sort through just who has the advantage here. My lean here comes with Jaylen Brown, who has seven first buckets on the season already and hasn’t had one as of late. In addition, he also had the first bucket the last time these two teams squared off.
First FG Bet for December 15: Jaylen Brown (+500)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Tipoff – 7:30 pm EST
Frost Bank Center – San Antonio, Texas
Broadcast – ESPN
The numbers on the Spurs and Lakers are razor close. There’s virtually no difference in either of the two major metrics. The Spurs are both tipping and scoring first at a 56.5% clip, while the Lakers are doing both at a 53.9% clip. So, if you’re looking to find a side here, take a look at their last showdown. Victor Wembanyama easily grabbed the first tip when they last met and the Spurs took the first bucket as well.
If you’re looking for the best play on the Spurs, look no further than Keldon Johnson. He’s in a three-way tie for the most first buckets on the team right now. He has been close to breaking that tie with a lot of early shots, but they’ve failed to fall. Being that he has the highest field goal percentage, I expect that to turnaround here.
First FG Bet for December 15: Keldon Johnson (+800)
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Tipoff – 8:00 pm EST
FedExForum – Memphis, Tennessee
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
The Grizzlies are the 6th ranked team in terms of grabbing the first bucket. The Rockets are not. In fact, the Rockets are in the bottom third of the league in that statistic at 42.9%. The tipoff data isn’t any better for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun has won 47.4% of all of his tips. Compare that with the 65.2% wins for Jaren Jackson Jr. and you know what side to ride with.
It may seem like the easy and chalky side of things on Friday, but Jaren Jackson Jr. himself is an obvious play. He’s gotten five of the last six first buckets on behalf of the Grizzlies. He also scored their first bucket against the Rockets last game, although it was the second of the game. With the first possession here, I expect him to get us on the board.
First FG Bet for December 15: Jaren Jackson Jr (+380)
If you’d like even more info to help make your first FG bets for December 15, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
