NBA First Basket Expert Prop Pick: Bet Jonas Valanciunas & CJ McCollum in Mavericks vs. Pelicans (March 8)

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Mavericks vs.

Pelicans

NBA First Basket Prop Pick: Jonas Valanciunas, CJ McCollum

The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Jonas Valanciunas (49% opening tip win rate) will jump against Dwight Powell (29% win rate) for the opening tipoff. Valanciunas has won all three opening tips against Powell over the past two seasons. It seems likely that New Orleans will win the tip tonight.

In three matchups this season, Luka Doncic, Valanciunas and Brandon Ingram have all cashed first baskets.

Dallas allows centers to score the first opposing field goal in 38% of games – the highest rate in the league. Valanciunas has scored the first team field goal for the Pelicans in 29% of games started this season.

Ingram and McCollum are the two primary scorers for New Orleans with Zion Williamson injured. Ingram has been hot lately, taking the first shot in 13 of his 30 starts this season (he has missed half of the season due to injury). He is a valid option tonight as well, but his odds are too low to pair with Valanciunas.  McCollum has taken the first shot in 21% of games started this season.

I'll take Valanciunas and McCollum tonight to score first.

Pick: Jonas Valanciunas First Basket +470 (Risk 0.6 Units | Play to +375)

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Pick: CJ McCollum First Field Goal (DraftKings) +700 (Risk 0.4 Units | Play to +550)

Mavericks vs. Pelicans First Basket Prop Data

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