NBA First Basket Predictions, Odds and Value Bets Today - Saturday 3/16/2024

We have another big day of NBA basketball upon us, and we've simulated each game 10,000 times to find the most reliable NBA first basket predictions and odds for Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Saturday's NBA games are expected to showcase big names such as Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson and Deandre Ayton, each with a high probability of scoring the first basket when they take to the court.

NBA first basket props have become one of the most popular options for NBA fans to bet on, and by using Saturday's data-driven NBA predictions below, you can gain an edge over other bettors.

This article will provide you with a list of players that our analytics model has identified as NBA first basket value bets for today's action, as well as the players who have the highest likelihood of scoring the first basket on March 16.

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: March 16, 2024

Thanks to simulating every one of Saturday'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
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)	17.6%
Jalen Brunson (Knicks)	16.3%
Deandre Ayton (Trail Blazers)	16.3%
De'Aaron Fox (Kings)	15.8%
Tyrese Maxey (76ers)	15.6%
Nikola Vucevic (Bulls)	15.3%
Jalen Green (Rockets)	15.1%
Zion Williamson (Pelicans)	14.3%
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)	14.2%
Kyle Kuzma (Wizards)	13.8%

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket across all of today's games is Anthony Edwards, with a probability of 17.6%.

Additionally, the players with the next highest likelihood of scoring the first basket today are Jalen Brunson, with a 16.3% probability, and Deandre Ayton, with a 16.3% probability. Remember, although this list shows the players most likely to score the first basket on Saturday, it does not always mean they are recommended bets according to DimersBOT.

To increase your chances of winning when betting on NBA props, it's important to look out for the best odds available.

Best First Basket Picks Tonight: Saturday 3/16/2024

Having simulated the result of today's NBA matchups thousands of times each, our predictive model has generated the best NBA first basket betting picks for Saturday.

1. Jalen Green To Score First Basket (+750)

• Odds: +750
• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 15.1%
• Game: Cavaliers vs. Rockets (5:00PM ET)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for today's NBA slate, which is in the game between the Cavaliers and Rockets. The bet is on Jalen Green (HOU) at odds of +750 with FanDuel Sportsbook, and our model has found an edge of 3.4%.

The next two suggested plays are for Jonathan Kuminga (3.1% edge) to score first in the Warriors vs. Lakers game and Anthony Edwards (2.2%) to score the first basket in the Timberwolves vs. Jazz matchup.

2. Jonathan Kuminga To Score First Basket (+900)

• Odds: +900
• Edge: 3.1%
• Probability: 13.1%
• Matchup: Warriors vs. Lakers (8:30PM ET)

The next best NBA first basket bet for today comes in the Warriors vs. Lakers game, where our model has found an edge of 3.1% on Jonathan Kuminga (GSW) at odds of +900 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

**MORE: [Saturday's Best NBA Bets](https://www.dimers.com/news/nba-picks-today-and-best-bets-saturday-3162024]

3. Anthony Edwards To Score First Basket (+550)

• Odds: +550
• Edge: 2.2%
• Probability: 17.6%
• Game: Timberwolves vs. Jazz (9:30PM ET)

Our next NBA first basket bet on Saturday comes in the Timberwolves vs. Jazz game, where our model has found an edge of 2.2% on Anthony Edwards (MIN) at odds of +550 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

**MORE: [Saturday's NBA Prop Picks](https://www.dimers.com/news/nba-picks-today-and-best-bets-saturday-march-16-2024]

4. Keyonte George To Score First Basket (+950)

• Odds: +950
• Edge: 2.0%
• Probability: 11.5%
• Game: Timberwolves vs. Jazz (9:30PM ET)

The next best first basket bet for today's NBA action comes in the Timberwolves vs. Jazz game, where our model has found an edge of 2.0% on Keyonte George (UTA) at odds of +950 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

5. De'Aaron Fox To Score First Basket (+600)

• Odds: +600
• Edge: 1.5%
• Probability: 15.8%
• Matchup: Knicks vs. Kings (10:00PM ET)

Rounding out Dimers' top five NBA first basket bets for Saturday is De'Aaron Fox (SAC) at odds of +600 in the Knicks vs. Kings game. Here, our model has found an edge of 1.5% with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Today's NBA Games

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

• Cavaliers vs. Rockets Prediction (5:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Wizards vs. Bulls Prediction (8:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Warriors vs. Lakers Prediction (8:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Timberwolves vs. Jazz Prediction (9:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Knicks vs. Kings Prediction (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

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: March 16, 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 March 16, 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 Saturday, March 16, are made after thousands of data-driven game simulations, providing reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.

If you use today's NBA first basket picks for sports betting, it's important that you practice responsible gambling and manage your finances effectively. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

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