NBA First Basket Predictions Today - Thursday 5/18/23

We have another big day of NBA Playoffs ahead of us, and we've run thousands of Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 2 simulations to find the best NBA first basket bets for you to make on Thursday May 18, 2023.

NBA first basket props are one of the more popular options for basketball fans to bet on, and by using Thursday's predictions below, you can gain an edge over everyone else.

The best online sportsbooks offer odds on NBA first basket scorers, and by utilizing our cutting-edge computer power and data, Dimers.com has identified where the best value can be found on Thursday 5/18.

Thursday's NBA Western Conference Finals Game 2 between the Nuggets and Lakers is set to feature players such as Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and Jamal Murray, 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 supercomputer 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 18.

MORE: Every NBA Game Simulated 10,000 Times

Best First Basket Picks Tonight - Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 2

Having simulated today's Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 2, our trusted predictive analytics model, DimersBOT, has generated the best NBA first basket bets for you to make on Thursday.

D'Angelo Russell To Score First Basket (+1000)

• Odds: +1000 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 2.1%
• Probability: 11.2%
• Matchup: Lakers vs. Nuggets (8:30PM ET)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for today, which is in the game between the Lakers and Nuggets. The bet is on D'Angelo Russell (LAL) at odds of +1000 with FanDuel Sportsbook, and our model has found an edge of 2.1%.

The next two suggested bets are for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (0.8% edge) to score first in the Lakers vs. Nuggets game, and Austin Reaves (0.1%) to score the first basket, also in the Lakers-Nuggets matchup.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope To Score First Basket (+1700)

• Odds: +1700 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 0.8%
• Probability: 6.3%
• Game: Lakers vs. Nuggets (8:30PM ET)

The next best NBA first basket bet for Thursday also comes in the Lakers vs. Nuggets game, where our model has found an edge of 0.8% on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DEN) at odds of +1700 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Austin Reaves To Score First Basket (+1200)

• Odds: +1200 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 0.1%
• Probability: 7.8%
• Matchup: Lakers vs. Nuggets (8:30PM ET)

Our next best NBA first basket bet on Thursday comes in the Lakers vs. Nuggets game, where our model has found an edge of 0.1% on Austin Reaves (LAL) at odds of +1200 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Today's NBA First Basket Predictions - Thursday May 18, 2023

In addition to presenting the best NBA first basket bets today, Dimers.com has also found the most likely players to score the first basket in Game 2 of Nuggets vs. Lakers.

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

Additionally, the players with the next highest likelihood of cashing your first basket bets are Anthony Davis, with a 12.6% probability, and Jamal Murray, with a 12.5% probability.

Who Will Score the First Basket Tonight - May 18, 2023

With Game 2 of the Western Conference finals between the Nuggets and Lakers scheduled tonight, DimersBOT has provided the probabiliy of each of the 10 likely starters scoring the first basket.

• Nikola Jokic (DEN): 16.4% probability
• Anthony Davis (LAL): 12.6% probability
• Jamal Murray (DEN): 12.5% probability
• LeBron James (LAL): 12.2% probability
• D'Angelo Russell (LAL): 11.2% probability
• Austin Reaves (LAL): 7.8% probability
• Aaron Gordon (DEN): 6.6% probability
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DEN): 6.3% probability
• Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL): 6.2% probability

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

To increase your chances of winning, it's important to keep an eye on favorable odds.

MORE: NBA Props - Thursday May 18, 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 18, 2023

All of Dimers' NBA first basket picks and predictions for Thursday May 18 are generated after 10,000 data-driven simulations per matchup, giving you reliable and accurate NBA predictions to help you make informed decisions.

If you use today's NBA first basket picks for your personal gambling, it's crucial that you practice responsible gambling 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 on NBA

If you enjoyed our NBA first basket props, you're definitely going to want to check out the rest of our NBA prop picks for today.

Here, we have picks on player points, rebounds, assists, 3-pointers, and more! Plus, with the ability to filter which of Thursday's NBA matchups you want props for, there's no lack of options when it comes to your same-game parlays for today's NBA betting action.