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 February 1.
Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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NBA First FG Props – February 1
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
Tipoff – 7:30 pm EST
Madison Square Garden – New York, New York
Broadcast – NBA League Pass
The Knicks go into Thursday’s action as one of the team’s with the biggest advantages when it comes to the early game statistics. They place in the top third in first bucket numbers and the top half when it comes to winning the tipoff. Both of those aren’t auto-tails, but when it comes to their opponent, it’s more than enough to get them over the hump.
The Pacers have far worse numbers when it comes to the early game. They’re 23rd in the NBA in tip percentage and 22nd when it comes to scoring the first field goal. Three of their guards – each of which is good at dishing the ball – are all questionable for Thursday, which makes it even less likely that they’ll nab the first bucket.
The Knicks are far from healthy themselves. Julius Randle, who has plenty of first buckets, will be on the shelf for some time. OG Anunoby is also banged up and is questionable to play Thursday. Although some of the other starters have seen success – most pale in comparison to the numbers and the action Jalen Brunson has gotten. With the other stars banged up, he’s a must play for Thursday’s action.
First FG Bet for February 1: Jalen Brunson (+500)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz
Tipoff – 10:00 pm EST
Delta Center – Salt Lake City, Utah
Broadcast – TNT
The 76ers may not be the healthiest team going into this one either. However, that shouldn’t stop you from grabbing someone from Philadelphia for your first bucket props. The Jazz are dead last in the NBA in first buckets at just 32.7%. They are also 26th in the league on the tip at just 36.7%. The 76ers should be able to wheel out a team of back-ups and probably still score first in this one.
The only player that we know for sure is healthy and should be playing Thursday for the 76ers is Tobias Harris. He also is the only player on the team with a shot in their first three in each of the last three games. Depending on who joins him in the starting lineup, his line will be pretty nice looking. Either way, though, I like his chances.
First FG Bet for February 1: Tobias Harris (+450)
If you’d like even more info to help make your first FG bets for February 1, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
