NBA First Basket Predictions, Odds and Value Bets Today [Thursday, 5/2/2024]

Last updated: May 2, 2024, 4:46PM | Published: May 2, 2024, 5:31AM

Another action-packed day of NBA Playoffs action is on the cards, and we've run thousands of simulations to find the best NBA first basket predictions and odds for Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Thursday's NBA Playoffs action is set to feature star players such as Jalen Brunson, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, each with a high chance of scoring the first basket when they take to the court.

NBA first basket props have become one of the more popular options for basketball fans to bet on, and by using Thursday's data-backed NBA predictions below, you can gain an advantage over other bettors.

This article will provide you with a list of players that our basketball model has identified as NBA first basket value bets for today's action, as well as the players who are most likely to score the first basket on May 2.

For today's full list of NBA prop picks, sign up to Dimers Pro. We give you the tools and information to succeed with hundreds of data-driven bets across thousands of games. Sign up now to join the community!

Who Will Score the First Basket Tonight: May 2, 2024

Thanks to simulating every one of Thursday's NBA games 10,000 times each, Dimers has determined the 10 players most likely to score the first basket in their respective games.

Player (Team)	First Basket Probability
Jalen Brunson (Knicks)	17.6%
Joel Embiid (76ers)	14.5%
Tyrese Maxey (76ers)	14.5%
Pascal Siakam (Pacers)	14.1%
Myles Turner (Pacers)	13.5%
Khris Middleton (Bucks)	11.5%
Brook Lopez (Bucks)	9.5%
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)	8.8%
Kelly Oubre (76ers)	8.7%
Isaiah Hartenstein (Knicks)	8.7%

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket tonight is Jalen Brunson, with a probability of 17.6%.

Additionally, the players with the next highest likelihood of cashing your first basket bets are Joel Embiid, with a 14.5% probability, and Tyrese Maxey, with a 14.5% probability. Remember, although this list shows the players with the highest probability of scoring the first basket on Thursday, it does not always indicate they are recommended bets according to our predictive analytics model.

To increase your chances of winning when betting on NBA props, it's important to keep an eye on the best odds available.

Best First Basket Picks Tonight: Thursday 5/2/2024

Having simulated the outcome of today's NBA Playoffs action thousands of times, our trusted predictive analytics model, DimersBOT, has discovered the best NBA first basket betting picks for Thursday.

Note: Clicking links to our partners may earn us a referral fee.

1. Jalen Brunson To Score First Basket (+550)

Odds: +550
Edge: 2.2%
Probability: 17.6%
Matchup: Knicks vs. 76ers (9:00PM ET)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for today, which is in the game between the Knicks and 76ers. The bet is on Jalen Brunson (NYK) at odds of +550 with FanDuel Sportsbook, and our model has found an edge of 2.2%.

The next two recommended bets are for Tyrese Haliburton (1.2% edge) to score first in the Bucks vs. Pacers game and Tyrese Maxey (0.2%) to score the first basket in the Knicks vs. 76ers matchup.

2. Tyrese Haliburton To Score First Basket (+1200)

Odds: +1200
Edge: 1.2%
Probability: 8.8%
Matchup: Bucks vs. Pacers (6:30PM ET)

The next best NBA first basket bet for today comes in the Bucks vs. Pacers game, where our model has found an edge of 1.2% on Tyrese Haliburton (IND) at odds of +1200 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

MORE: Thursday's Best NBA Bets

3. Tyrese Maxey To Score First Basket (+600)

Odds: +600
Edge: 0.2%
Probability: 14.5%
Game: Knicks vs. 76ers (9:00PM ET)

Our next NBA first basket bet on Thursday comes in the Knicks vs. 76ers game, where our model has found an edge of 0.2% on Tyrese Maxey (PHI) at odds of +600 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

MORE: Thursday's NBA Prop Picks

4. Donte DiVincenzo To Score First Basket (+1100)

Odds: +1100
Edge: 0.0%
Probability: 8.4%
Matchup: Knicks vs. 76ers (9:00PM ET)

The next best first basket bet for Thursday's NBA action comes in the Knicks vs. 76ers game, where our model has found an edge of 0.0% on Donte DiVincenzo (NYK) at odds of +1100 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Today's NBA Games

For more NBA picks and props, check out our full betting previews for each game on the Thursday slate:

Bucks vs. Pacers Prediction (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

Understanding Betting Edge

The "edge" at Dimers is when we think the probability of an event occurring is more likely than the best odds available. Essentially, it means that Dimers believes a bet has a better chance of winning than the sportsbooks do. That's why the higher the edge, the better.

Although it does not guarantee a win, taking picks with a higher betting edge can increase your chances of being profitable in the long run. This is an essential aspect of a successful sports betting strategy.

Today's NBA First Basket Picks: May 2, 2024

This NBA first basket article has been partially generated using automated processes and AI technology. Our goal is to provide timely and accurate updates on NBA first basket picks for May 2, 2024, and automation assists in data collection, analysis, and formatting. Human editing and quality control is performed to ensure the content meets our editorial standards.

All of Dimers' NBA first basket picks and predictions for Thursday, May 2, have been made after rigorous data-driven game simulations, giving you reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.

If you use today's NBA first basket predictions for your personal gambling, it's vital that you gamble responsibly and manage your bankroll effectively. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

More About NBA

This article is part of our NBA player props and NBA best bets series.

For more NBA betting content we have NBA trends for every game, as well as daily NBA betting news, the best NBA promos and the latest NBA title odds and predictions.

Nick Slade

Chief Content Officer

Nick Slade, with nearly two decades of experience as a sports and betting expert, serves as the Chief Content Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, where he steers the editorial and digital content strategy for leading platforms like Dimers.com, Stats Insider and Gambling Today. Specializing in soccer, Nick brings a global perspective to his coverage of the sport, including detailed analyses of MLS games. He also contributes to NHL content through game previews, best bets, and props, and lends his expertise to crafting NBA first basket betting content.

With a robust background as a journalist and broadcaster, Nick has been a trusted voice on major networks and channels such as Fox Sports, WCBV-TV Boston, ESPN, ABC, and others. His profound understanding of sports and betting dynamics has made him a sought-after authority in the wagering and gambling industries.

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