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 January 18. 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 January 18.
Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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NBA First FG Props – January 18
Oklahoma City Thunder vs.Utah Jazz
Tipoff – 9:00 pm EST
Delta Center – Salt Lake City, Utah
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
We’ve got a pair of teams that are well on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to early-game stats. The Thunder may be just 14th in league with a 50.0% first-bucket rate, but that is way higher than the Jazz, who are dead last with a 31.0% rate.
It’s not just the first buckets. It’s also the opportunities. The Jazz are 27th at winning the tip at 35.7% – all while using a slew of different guys to jump.
On the other hand, Chet Holmgren is ranked 6th in the league amongst jumpers who have taken at least 20 tips with a 65.0% rate. The Thunder should have the first possession easily and should be able to capitalize first.
Josh Giddey has taken the first shot in each of the Thunder’s last three games. While he’s making only a few of them, you have to love the guy getting the ball first. I think he gets another here.
First FG Bet for January 18: Josh Giddey (+500)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Tipoff – 10:00 pm EST
Target Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a big part of the early game action for the Grizzlies, particularly with his tip abilities. He’s grabbing the tip 65.8% of the time and has Memphis ranked third in the league.
They also are top ten when it comes to converting those chances (currently ranked 8th). The Timberwolves have been substantially worse than Memphis, with just a 42.5% average on the tip and first bucket. That puts them 24th in both of those categories.
On the year, Jaren Jackson Jr. has 9 first field goals for his squad. That puts him amongst the league leaders. However, he hasn’t had one since Christmas. That’s despite shooting a ton early. For instance, he took both of the first two shots against the Warriors last game. I hate using the term ‘he’s due,’ but if anyone does it, it’s him.
First FG Bet for January 18: Jaren Jackson Jr (+425)
If you’d like even more info to help make your first FG bets for January 18, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
