NBA First Basket Prop Pick: Bet Jalen Brunson & Obi Toppin in Knicks vs. Pacers (April 5)

NBA First Basket Prop Pick: Bet Jalen Brunson & Obi Toppin in Knicks vs. Pacers (April 5) article feature image
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Via Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images. Pictured: Jalen Brunson #11 high fives Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 13, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

NBA First Basket will break down some of his favorite NBA plays of the day here, and will track all his bets in The Action Network app.

NBA First Basket Prop Pick: Jalen Brunson & Obi Toppin

OddsBrunson (+470) I Obi Toppin (+800)
Time 7p.m. ET
Book FanDuel

The Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Isaiah Jackson (40% opening tip-win rate) or Jalen Smith (50% win rate) will square off against Mitchell Robinson (68% win rate) for the opening tip-off. Jalen Smith won his only tip-off against Robinson earlier this season.

The Pacers have been rotating centers, so it is hard to predict who will start tonight, but my guess is they start Jackson. Either way, I like New York to control the tip and score first.

The Pacers are without multiple starters in this one as they continue to try to work their way down the standings and increase their draft lottery chances. The Knicks are without Julius Randle (ankle injury), while RJ Barrett is questionable but expected to play.

Jalen Brunson has taken the first Knicks shot in 38% of games started this season for the Knicks. With Randle out, the offense has to run through Brunson to be successful. I'm looking for Brunson to drive the lane and either shoot or pass down low on the first possession tonight.

Obi Toppin has replaced Randle in the lineup and performed well, scoring 12 and 21 points the last two games.  I'll take Toppin and pair him with Brunson tonight as I like the chances that one of them gets the first basket.

Pick: Jalen Brunson First Basket +470 (Risk 0.7 Units | Play to +400)


Pick: Obi Toppin First Basket +800 (Risk 0.3 Units | Play to +600)


Knicks vs. Pacers First Basket Prop Data

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