NBA First Basket Predictions Today - Saturday 5/20/23

Another action-packed day of NBA Playoffs basketball is on the menu, and we've run thousands of Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 3 simulations to find the best NBA first basket picks for you on Saturday May 20, 2023.

NBA first basket props have become one of the most popular options for basketball bettors to wager on, and by using Saturday's predictions below, you can gain an advantage over everyone else.

All of the top sportsbooks throughout the nation offer odds on NBA first basket scorers, and by utilizing our cutting-edge computer power and data, Dimers.com has been able to identify where the best value lies on Saturday 5/20.

Saturday's NBA Western Conference Finals Game 3 between the Nuggets and Lakers is set to feature star players such as Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James, each with a high probability of scoring the first basket when they take to the court.

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 20.

MORE: Every NBA Game Simulated 10,000 Times

Best First Basket Picks Tonight - Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 3

After simulating today's Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 3, our model has found the best NBA first basket betting picks for Saturday.

D'Angelo Russell To Score First Basket (+1100)

• Odds: +1100 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 2.4%
• Probability: 10.8%
• Game: Nuggets vs. Lakers (8:30PM ET)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for today, which is in the game between the Nuggets and Lakers. The bet is on D'Angelo Russell (LAL) at odds of +1100 with FanDuel Sportsbook, and our model has found an edge of 2.4%.

The next two recommended bets are for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1.2% edge) to score first in the Nuggets vs. Lakers game, and Jamal Murray (0.6%) to score the first basket, also in the Nuggets-Lakers matchup.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope To Score First Basket (+1900)

• Odds: +1900 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 1.2%
• Probability: 6.2%
• Game: Nuggets vs. Lakers (8:30PM ET)

The next best NBA first basket bet for today also comes in the Nuggets vs. Lakers game, where our model has found an edge of 1.2% on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DEN) at odds of +1900 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Jamal Murray To Score First Basket (+700)

• Odds: +700 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 0.6%
• Probability: 13.1%
• Game: Nuggets vs. Lakers (8:30PM ET)

Our next best NBA first basket bet today comes in the Nuggets vs. Lakers game, where our model has found an edge of 0.6% on Jamal Murray (DEN) at odds of +700 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Austin Reaves To Score First Basket (+1100)

• Odds: +1100 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 0.0%
• Probability: 8.4%
• Matchup: Nuggets vs. Lakers (8:30PM ET)

Our next best first basket bet for today's NBA action comes in the Nuggets vs. Lakers game, where our model has found an edge of 0.0% on Austin Reaves (LAL) at odds of +1100 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Tonight's NBA First Basket Predictions - Saturday May 20, 2023

In addition to providing you with the best NBA first basket bets today, Dimers.com has also determined the most likely players to score the first basket in Game 3 of Nuggets vs. Lakers.

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely NBA player to score the first basket today is Nikola Jokic, with a probability of 16.4%.

Additionally, the players with the next highest likelihood of scoring the first basket today are Anthony Davis, with a 13.2% probability, and LeBron James, with a 13.1% probability.

Who Will Score the First Basket Tonight - May 20, 2023

With Game 3 of the Western Conference finals between the Nuggets and Lakers on the slate for tonight, we have determined the probabiliy of each of the 10 expected starters scoring the first basket.

• Nikola Jokic (DEN): 16.4% probability
• Anthony Davis (LAL): 13.2% probability
• LeBron James (LAL): 13.1% probability
• Jamal Murray (DEN): 13.1% probability
• D'Angelo Russell (LAL): 10.8% probability
• Austin Reaves (LAL): 8.4% probability
• Aaron Gordon (DEN): 6.6% probability
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DEN): 6.2% probability
• Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL): 4.6% probability

Remember, although this list shows the players with the highest probability of scoring the first basket on Saturday, it does not always indicate they are suggested bets according to DimersBOT.

To increase your chances of winning, it's important to look out for favorable odds.

MORE: NBA Props - Saturday May 20, 2023

What Is an Edge in Betting?

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 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 20, 2023

All of Dimers' NBA first basket picks for Saturday May 20 are based on 10,000 data-driven simulations per matchup, providing reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.

If you plan to 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.

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