NBA First Basket Predictions & Prop Bet Picks Today: Mavs vs Warriors 5/26

The Golden State Warriors failed to complete the sweep of the Dallas Mavericks, but have a chance for the gentleman’s sweep tonight in Game 5. They are seven-point home favorites as they look to go back to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Do not sleep on the Mavericks, who had a huge lead in Games 2 and 3, but failed to close the door. There are some great options for first basket prop bets, so let’s dive into the action and get to our NBA first basket predictions!

NBA First Basket Prediction & Prop Bet Picks Today 5/26

In the inaugural first basket prediction article yesterday, both Jaylen Brown and Max Strus had a field goal attempt that would have won the bet, but neither shot dropped, unfortunately. That is about as much of a sweat as you can have and not hit. We go again tonight trying to find the first basket for the Warriors vs. Mavericks Game 5. Remember, this is a risky, but fun bet to make so do not go crazy on these first basket props. With that being said, let’s find a winner!

Warriors vs. Mavericks Game 5 | Thursday, May 26 | 9 p.m. ET

Let’s dive into the starters and their odds to score the first basket, plus who scored in the first four games.

The Starters and Odds

Stephen Curry +400
Luka Doncic +400
Klay Thompson +450
Andrew Wiggins +600
Jalen Brunson +750
Dwight Powell +1000
Kevon Looney +1400
Draymond Green +1400
Reggie Bullock +1400
Dorian Finney-Smith +1600

First Baskets By Each Game

Game 1 – Andrew Wiggins
Game 2 – Luka Doncic
Game 3 – Kevon Looney
Game 4 – Jalen Brunson

Stud NBA First Basket Prop Bet: Luka Doncic +400

Even though both teams have split the jump two apiece in this series, Dwight Powell is 5-3 against Kevon Looney winning the jump in the last two seasons. The Mavericks have scored first in five of their eight home playoff games this season, including this series. Luka Doncic led the league in usage rate during the regular season, and he leads everyone in the playoffs as well at 40.2%. In this series, Doncic not only scored the first basket in Game 2, but he scored the second basket (first for the Mavericks) in Game 3 and the fifth basket in Game 1. Scoring in the first quarter has been what Doncic does best, as he is averaging 9.4 per game, which is second in the entire playoffs behind Nikola Jokic.

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Longshot NBA First Basket Prop Bet: Kevon Looney +1400

With so many stud options at lower value, that creates more longshots, such as Kevon Looney. This feels like incredible value for a player who scored the first basket in Game 3, the second basket in Game 4 and the third basket in Game 1. Looney has been dominate in this series. He is averaging 10.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while shooting 69.9% from the field. The Mavericks have the worst rebounding percentage in the league and Looney has really taken advantage of their lack of size. This is great value on a player who has performed well in this series.

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