What Is First Basket Betting?
Your complete guide to understanding NBA first basket bets. Learn the rules, see real examples, and discover how this exciting prop bet works across different sportsbooks.
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First Basket Betting Definition
First basket betting (also called "first basket scorer" or "first field goal") is an NBA prop bet where you wager on which player will score the first basket of the game.
Key Point
The bet is decided by the first field goal made in the game — whether it's a 2-pointer or 3-pointer. Free throws do NOT count. The player who makes the first basket wins the market, regardless of which team scores or wins the tip-off.
This prop bet typically offers odds ranging from +500 to +2000 depending on the player's role, usage rate, and team's opening possession tendencies. Star players and high-volume scorers get shorter odds, while bench players or low-usage starters see longer odds.
What Counts
- ✅ 2-point field goals
- ✅ 3-point field goals
- ✅ Layups, dunks, jumpers
What Doesn't Count
- ❌ Free throws
- ❌ Technical free throws
- ❌ Own-basket scores
Void Scenarios
- ⚠️ Player doesn't start
- ⚠️ Player exits before tip
- ⚠️ Game postponed/cancelled
How First Basket Betting Works
Understanding the mechanics behind first basket betting helps you identify value and avoid common mistakes. Here's the complete process:
Game Begins
The game starts with a jump ball (tip-off) at center court. The team that wins the tip gets first possession, but this doesn't guarantee the first basket.
Opening Possession
The team with possession runs their opening set play. Some teams have designed first-possession plays for specific players, creating betting edges.
First Shot Attempt
A player takes the first shot of the game. If they miss, possession changes and the opposing team gets their chance to score first.
Bet Settles
The market settles the moment a player makes the first field goal. All losing bets are graded instantly, regardless of game outcome.
Pro Insight
The first basket can happen within seconds of tip-off (fast break) or take several minutes if both teams miss their opening shots. On average, the first basket occurs within the first 30-90 seconds of game time. This makes it one of the fastest-settling prop bets available.
First Basket Betting Rules
While the basic concept is simple, there are important rules and edge cases to understand before placing your first basket bets:
Rule #1: Player Must Start the Game
For your bet to be valid, the player you bet on must be in the starting lineup when the game tips off. If the player doesn't start, your bet is typically voided and your stake returned.
⚠️ Important: Always check starting lineups 30 minutes before tip-off. Late scratches or lineup changes can void your bets at most books.
Rule #2: Only Field Goals Count
The market settles on the first field goal made — either a 2-pointer or 3-pointer. Free throws, technical free throws, and flagrant free throws do NOT count toward the first basket market.
✅ Counts as First Basket
- • 2-point jump shot
- • 3-point shot
- • Layup or dunk
- • Tip-in or putback
- • Alley-oop finish
❌ Does NOT Count
- • Free throws (any type)
- • Technical free throws
- • And-one free throw
- • Own basket / wrong rim
- • Goaltending (rare)
Rule #3: Dead Heat / Tie Scenarios
In extremely rare cases, two players might be credited with making the "first basket" simultaneously (e.g., referee review changes who scored first). When this happens, dead heat rules apply.
Dead Heat Payout Formula:
Payout = (Stake × Odds) ÷ Number of Winners
Example: $10 bet at +1000 odds in a 2-way dead heat = ($10 × 10) ÷ 2 = $50 payout ($40 profit)
Rule #4: Void & Postponement Scenarios
Your first basket bet will be voided (stake returned) in the following situations:
Player Doesn't Start
If your player is not in the starting five at tip-off, the bet voids. Some books void immediately at lineup announcement; others wait until tip-off.
Game Postponed/Cancelled
If the game doesn't start at all or is cancelled before completion, all first basket bets void regardless of when they were placed.
Player Injured Before Tip
If your player exits during warm-ups or between lineup announcement and tip-off, the bet voids. Check 5 minutes before game time!
Rule #5: Overtime Doesn't Matter
First basket bets settle based on the first field goal of regulation time. Overtime baskets are irrelevant. Once the first basket is scored in regulation, the market is settled — even if the game goes to multiple overtimes.
Real First Basket Betting Examples
Let's walk through real-world examples to see how first basket betting works in practice. These scenarios include team logos loaded from the Cloudflare Worker API with ESPN fallback.
Example 1: Standard Winning Bet
Game Matchup
Los Angeles Lakers
Away
@
Boston Celtics
Home
Your Bet
Anthony Davis — First Basket
Result: WIN
The Lakers win the tip. LeBron James brings the ball up, passes to AD in the post who hits a turnaround jumper 18 seconds into the game.
Payout: $90
($10 stake × 9.0 = $90 total return = $80 profit)
Example 2: Losing Bet
Game Matchup
Golden State Warriors
Away
@
Phoenix Suns
Home
Your Bet
Stephen Curry — First Basket
Result: LOSS
The Suns win the tip. Kevin Durant catches and shoots a mid-range jumper 12 seconds into the game for the first basket. Your bet loses.
Result: -$20
(Full stake lost)
Example 3: Voided Bet (Player Doesn't Start)
Game Matchup
Milwaukee Bucks
Away
@
Miami Heat
Home
Your Bet (Placed 2 Hours Before Tip)
Giannis Antetokounmpo — First Basket
Result: VOID
30 minutes before tip-off, the Bucks announce Giannis is OUT with a knee injury. He does not start the game. Your bet is voided.
Refund: $15
(Stake returned in full — no win, no loss)
Example 4: Free Throws Don't Count
Game Matchup
Dallas Mavericks
Away
@
Denver Nuggets
Home
Game Scenario
- 0:00 — Game tips off, Denver wins the tip
- 0:08 — Nikola Jokić is fouled on a drive (no shot)
- 0:10 — Jokić makes both free throws (first points of game)
- 0:35 — Luka Doncic hits a 3-pointer
First Basket Result
Even though Jokić scored the first points via free throws, Luka Doncic is credited with the first basket because he made the first field goal. Free throws never count for first basket markets.
Sportsbook Rule Differences
While most sportsbooks follow similar first basket rules, there are important differences in how they handle edge cases. Always check your book's house rules before placing bets.
Void Rules
Most Books
Void bet if player doesn't start. Stake refunded.
Some Books
Void bet if player doesn't play at all. If they enter as sub, bet stands (usually loses).
⚠️ Always verify if "must start" or "must play" applies at your book.
Dead Heat Handling
Standard Dead Heat
Payout divided by number of tied winners. Rare but possible with referee reviews.
Full Payout (Rare)
A few books pay full odds to all winners in dead heats. Check promo terms.
💡 Dead heats are extremely rare (<0.1% of games).
Lineup Change Timing
Early Void (Common)
Bet voids when official lineup is announced (~30 min before tip).
Tip-Off Void (Stricter)
Bet only voids if player isn't in starting five at actual tip-off. Late scratches still honor bet.
✅ Check lineup confirmations 10 minutes before game time.
Odds & Market Depth
Full Rosters
Major books offer odds on all 10 starters + some bench players.
Starters Only
Smaller books only list the 10 starting players. Less market depth.
💡 Shop around — odds vary significantly between books (±200 on same player).
First Basket Betting FAQ
Do free throws count as the first basket?
No. Free throws never count toward the first basket market. Only field goals (2-pointers or 3-pointers) count. If a player makes free throws before anyone makes a field goal, those points are ignored for first basket betting purposes.
What happens if my player doesn't start?
At most sportsbooks, your bet will be voided and your stake refunded. However, some books only void if the player doesn't play at all (coming off the bench still counts as action). Always check your book's house rules for "must start" vs "must play" policies.
Does winning the tip-off guarantee the first basket?
No. While winning the jump ball gives you first possession and a significant advantage, it doesn't guarantee the first basket. The team with first possession could miss their shot, turn the ball over, or get blocked — giving the other team a chance to score first on the ensuing possession.
What are typical first basket odds?
Odds typically range from +500 to +2000 depending on the player. Star high-usage players (like Giannis, Jokic, or Embiid) usually sit around +600 to +800. Role players and lower-usage starters see odds of +1200 to +2000.
Can I bet on first basket in overtime?
Standard first basket bets only apply to regulation (the first 48 minutes). Once the first basket is scored in regulation, the market settles — overtime doesn't matter. Some books offer separate "first basket in overtime" markets, but these are rare and game-specific.
How long does it usually take for the first basket to be scored?
On average, the first basket occurs within the first 30-90 seconds of game time. Fast breaks off the opening tip can result in baskets within 5-10 seconds, while multiple missed shots can push it past 2 minutes. It's one of the fastest-settling prop bets available.
Can I bet on first basket live / in-play?
No. First basket markets close when the game tips off (or slightly before). You cannot place first basket bets once the game has started. However, you can place pre-game bets up until tip-off at most sportsbooks.
What's the best strategy for first basket betting?
Focus on: (1) teams with high jump ball win rates, (2) players who get designed first-possession touches, (3) high-usage scorers on home teams, and (4) favorable matchups. Check our first basket scorer strategy guide for detailed tactics.
Continue Your First Basket Education
Now that you understand what first basket betting is, explore our complete suite of tools and resources to start winning your bets.
First Basket Hub
Complete resource center for all NBA first basket betting tools and guides.
Tonight's Picks
Expert first basket picks for tonight's NBA games with detailed analysis.
Scorer Analysis
Player profiles, tendencies, and winning strategies for first basket props.
First Basket Statistics
Comprehensive database tracking first basket frequency and player trends.
Live Odds Comparison
Real-time odds comparison across sportsbooks to find the best value.
Parlay Calculator
Calculate potential payouts for parlay bets combining first basket picks.
Bet Responsibly
All information, strategies, and analysis are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Never wager more than you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Learn more about responsible bankroll management.
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