NBA First Basket Prop Picks: Target Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton Wednesday for Bucks

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.

Brook Lopez & Khris Middleton

Game 2 of Bucks vs. Bulls is the late game of Wednesday's trio of playoff games. The tip advantage should be in favor of Milwaukee, as Lopez is 4-1 on opening tip-offs against Vucevic over the past two seasons.

When the Bucks win the tipoff, they have scored first 67% of the time this season. Meanwhile, when Chicago loses the tipoff, it has allowed opposing teams to score first 65% of the time.

In five games this season against each other, Milwaukee has scored first in four of them and has averaged just 1.2 field goal attempts to score. Chicago on the other hand, has averaged 2.8 field goal attempts to score against the Bucks.

Chicago gives up first baskets to opposing centers in 35% of games. Lopez has averaged 18 points this season against the Bulls — this is about a 50% bump in production over his season average point total. Given how well he has played against Chicago this season, his current odds offer decent value.

Game 1 was closer than expected, as Middleton and Jrue Holiday had off shooting nights for Milwaukee. Middleton and Holiday are tied for the most team first shot attempts this season, and I would not be surprised if the Bucks decide to try to get Middleton started early tonight.

Plays

• Brooks Lopez +700, Risk 0.7 units
• Khris Middleton +750, Risk 0.3 units

Bulls-Bulls First Basket Data

Get NBA First Basket's bets instantly in The Action Network app.