We’re down to the wire here with spots in the conference finals up for grabs. On Friday, the Celtics try to stave off elimination in Madison Square Garden and bring things home. While we’re all anticipating the excitement of the game, all I care about is the beginning. That’s because we’re looking at first bucket props for May 16. These two teams have been back in forth in those metrics all year, so let’s take a look at what we know.
We’ve run the data, we’ve look at the trends – now, come check out our first bucket props for May 16.
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NBA First Bucket Props – May 16
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
Tipoff – 8:00 pm EST
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
Broadcast – ESPN
This series has been tight when it comes to the early game data. The Knicks have won three of the five tipoffs, which goes against the regular season data we had. In that, the Celtics had a marginal advantage, which we would expect to swing back their way in Game 6. Additionally, they’ve been much better at finishing them – both in the regular season and in this series. Despite being behind on the tip, they have scored first in three of the five games. With my expectation that they should get back to winning the first possession here and their finishing, all signs point to the Celtics getting on the board first.
With Jayson Tatum out for the year, I like Derrick White to step up. Obviously, he was a big part of their Game 5 victory, and I expect them to lean on him again. However, even before the Tatum injury he was getting early looks. He took their first shot in Game 4 and their second shot last game. I like that volume and how accurate he’s been.
First Bucket Bet for May 16: Derrick White (+650)
If you’d like even more info to help make your first bucket bets for May 16, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
