NBA First Basket Predictions Today - Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 1

It's time for a exciting day of NBA Playoffs basketball, and we've run thousands of Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 1 simulations to find the best NBA first basket picks for you on Tuesday May 16, 2023.

NBA first basket props are one of the most popular options for sports bettors to wager on, and by using Tuesday's projections below, you can gain an advantage over everyone else.

The best online sportsbooks offer odds on NBA first basket scorers, and by utilizing our state-of-the-art computer power and data, Dimers.com has identified where to find the best value on Tuesday 5/16.

Tuesday's NBA Western Conference Finals Game 1 between the Nuggets and Lakers is set to feature big names such as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and LeBron James, each with a high probability of scoring the first basket when they take to the court.

Here, we will provide you with a list of players that our predictive 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 May 16.

MORE: Every NBA Game Simulated 10,000 Times

Best First Basket Picks Tonight - Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 1

Having simulated today's Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 1, our model has generated the best NBA first basket betting picks for Tuesday.

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

• Odds: +1000 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 2.2%
• Probability: 11.3%
• Game: Lakers vs. Nuggets (8:30PM ET)

Our model has identified the best NBA first basket bet for Tuesday, 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 2.2%.

Jamal Murray To Score First Basket (+700)

• Odds: +700 via FanDuel Sportsbook
• Edge: 0.2%
• Probability: 12.7%
• Game: Lakers vs. Nuggets (8:30PM ET)

The next best NBA first basket bet for Tuesday also comes in the Lakers vs. Nuggets game, where our model has found an edge of 0.2% on Jamal Murray (DEN) at odds of +700 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Today's NBA First Basket Predictions - Tuesday May 16, 2023

As well as presenting the best NBA first basket bets today, Dimers.com has also determined the most likely players to score the first basket in Game 1 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 16.6%.

Additionally, the players with the next highest likelihood of scoring the first basket today are Jamal Murray, with a 12.8% probability, and LeBron James, with a 12.6% probability.

Who Will Score the First Basket Tonight - May 16, 2023

With Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Nuggets and Lakers set to go down tonight, we have determined the probabiliy of each of the 10 likely starters scoring first.

• Nikola Jokic (DEN): 16.6% probability
• Jamal Murray (DEN): 12.8% probability
• LeBron James (LAL): 12.6% probability
• Anthony Davis (LAL): 12.4% probability
• D'Angelo Russell (LAL): 11.3% probability
• Austin Reaves (LAL): 7.7% probability
• Aaron Gordon (DEN): 7.0% probability
• Dennis Schroder (LAL): 6.0% probability
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DEN): 5.4% probability

Keep in mind that this list only shows the players most likely to score the first basket on Tuesday, which does not necessarily mean that our model recommends betting on them.

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

MORE: NBA Props - Tuesday May 16, 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 16, 2023

All of Dimers' NBA first basket picks and predictions for Tuesday May 16 are based on 10,000 data-driven simulations per game, 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 important 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.

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