Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Celtics are 10-point favorites at home tonight but have shown vulnerability against unhealthy opponents so far this postseason, and if anyone can pull off the upset, it’s the electric offense of the Pacers. Setting the tone early will be essential for Boston to protect home court.
With a fast start being a key to victory, we’re looking at the NBA first basket props for the Pacers vs. Celtics opening game. Check out the best options we found on BetMGM Sportsbook below.
Top 3 NBA first basket prop picks for Pacers vs. Celtics Game 1
Jaylen Brown to score the first basket ()
Jaylen Brown has the best odds to score the first basket and that’s for a good reason. The Celtics win the opening tip 69.6% of the time. That’s one of the highest clips in the association. Additionally, Brown is as aggressive as they come to start games, taking the first shot at a 20.3% clip.
His aggressiveness has led to 18 first baskets this season, which is nearly the best in the NBA and seven more than Jayson Tatum, who is second on the team in first made baskets with 11. Brown has scored the first basket in 22.8% of all games he has started, making him a great option on a line with this much value.
Read more: NBA Eastern Conference Finals odds | NBA Western Conference Finals odds
Myles Turner to score the first field goal ()
The Celtics win the opening tip 69.6% of the time compared to just 37.9% for the Pacers. However, that is primarily with Kristaps Porzingis jumping it up, and he has already been ruled out for Game 1 of this series. In the six games backup center Al Horford has jumped it up, he has only won the opening jump ball twice. That gives the Pacers a solid chance to gain the first possession, which is critical in covering this wager.
Myles Turner takes the first shot in a game 13.3% of the time. This season, he has scored 14 first baskets, which is six more than the second closest on his team. In total, the Pacers have scored the first basket 43 times. With odds as high as +700, this is a great wager to consider given how much of a dip the Celtics have taken winning the opening jump without Porzingis.
Related: Top-rated US sports betting sites | Best sportsbook promotions and bonuses
Jrue Holiday to score the first field goal ()
Jrue Holiday is third on the Celtics in first made field goals this season with six on the year. He takes the first shot of the game 16.7% of the time, which is the second highest clip on the Celtics. If Brown isn’t taking the first shot, it’s usually him. Tonight, he’ll likely be guarded by Tyrese Haliburton, who has a 116.2 defensive rating. That’s one of the worst ratings among players individually in the league. It’s also improved by two during the playoffs, which alludes to just how much he struggles on that end of the court.
Holiday is capable of exploding when he is featured in the offense, which he may be tonight given who is tasked with defending him. If the Celtics win the opening tip, look for them to test the matchup early to see if it’s something they can exploit consistently.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >