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 bucket props. And we’ve decided to pass that knowledge on to you with our first bucket bets for April 1. 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 bucket props for April 1.
Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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NBA First Bucket Props – April 1
Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls
Tipoff – 8:00 pm EST
United Center – Chicago, IL
Broadcast – NBA TV
In the first of our selections for this month, we are back to fading the Bulls. It may sound cliche at this point, but they are just so bad when it comes to scoring the first bucket. They are dead last when it comes to success rate and dead last on the jumpball. They have won just 19.2% of their jumps this year, and with tip winners getting 65.6% of the first buckets, that’s enough to fade them every day. Additionally, the Raptors are a team that has been below average on the jump, but above average in scoring first. With an advantage on the tip, they should cruise to the first bucket easily.
There is really only one name worth mentioning if we’re going to get specific with players. Ja’Kobe Walter has taken the first shot for the Raptors in each of the last three games. He’s featured heavily in the first shots for the Raptors each game and seems to be their favorite option from the outside. If we need even more reason than that, the Bulls love allowing outside shots for the first bucket. Plus, we’re seeing an absurd number next to his name.
First Bucket Bet for April 1: Ja’Kobe Walter (+1000)
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Tipoff – 8:00 pm EST
FedExForum – Memphis, TN
Broadcast – NBA TV
In Memphis on Tuesday, we’re backing the home team to get on the board first. The Grizzlies have been great on the first score this year. They rank 2nd in the NBA with a 60.3% success rate – which puts them 18.4% higher than the Warriors. They are equally adept at getting the first possession. They have won 69.9% of the tips, putting them 3rd in the NBA. That rate is 30.7% higher than the Warriors and should be enough for us to back them here.
As for individual players, it’s not quite as clear as Walter in our first game, but Desmond Bane seems like the obvious play. He has taken the team’s first shot in two of the last three. He’s also another guy who features heavily in the shot log early over the last month or so. While the Warriors are a lot weaker down low, I think it’s still a safe assumption to believe that Bane can score the rock early.
First Bucket Bet for April 1: Desmond Bane (+650)
If you’d like even more info to help make your first bucket bets for April 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.
