NBA first basket: who scores the game’s first points
A first basket bet picks the player who scores the first field goal of an NBA game. Prices are long, often +400 to +1000, because ten starters share the chance. Winning the opening tip and shot volume drive the odds.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01One player out of ten starters usually scores first.
- 02Tip-off winners get the first chance.
- 03Read whether free throws count.
Key numbers
First basket at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- The team that wins the tip often scores first.
- Centers and stars carry short prices.
- Margins are large in this market.
- Rules vary on free throws and non-starters.
Progress
What decides the first basket
- 1
Tip-off
Which team gets the ball
- 2
First play
Often a set play
- 3
Shot share
Stars shoot more
- 4
Result
First made field goal
- 5
Settle
Per house rules
Common market; check your book’s rules.
Example first basket prices
| Player type | Example price | Implied chance |
|---|---|---|
| Star scorer, team wins most tips | +400 | 20.0% |
| Center who takes the tip | +500 | 16.7% |
| Second option | +700 | 12.5% |
| Low-usage starter | +1000 | 9.1% |
Example prices; the full market adds up to well over 100%.
How the bet works
Most books grade first basket on the first made field goal of the game. Some use first points, which includes free throws, and some offer both markets. The market name and rules tell you which one you are betting.
If your player does not play, most books void the bet. Rules for a player who plays but does not start vary: some void, some let the bet stand. Read the rules before tip-off, since lineups change late.
Team first basket markets also exist, where you bet on which team scores first. These are close to even money and depend heavily on the opening tip.
Player vs team first basket
| Market | Choices | Example price |
|---|---|---|
| Player first basket | 10 starters (plus bench) | +400 to +1500 |
| Team to score first | 2 teams | -120 to +100 |
| First points (free throws count) | Same players | Similar range |
Example prices only.
Why the tip-off matters
The team that wins the opening tip gets the first possession. It does not always score first, but it has the first chance. Centers who win most tips raise their team’s chance to score first.
Bettors look at tip-off win rates and at which players take the first shot of games. Coaches often run a set play for a star on the first possession, which is why top scorers carry the shortest prices.
Add up the implied chances of every player in the market and the total is often 130% or more. That margin is much higher than on spreads and totals, so small edges are hard to find.
Sequence
Betting a first basket
Step 01
Check lineups
Confirm starters.
Step 02
Read the rules
Field goal or first points.
Step 03
Look at the tip
Who wins it often?
Step 04
Check shot share
Who shoots first?
Step 05
Keep stakes small
Long odds.
Other first-score markets
Some books offer first basket for each quarter, first three-pointer and first to score 10 points. Each adds more uncertainty and usually more margin.
The same idea appears in other sports: first touchdown scorer in football and first goal scorer in hockey and soccer. Our anytime touchdown guide covers the football version.
Long-shot props are fun, but they lose more often than they win. Set a budget and stick to it.
Floor rules
First basket terms
Know before you sit
- First basket
- First made field goal of the game.
- First points
- First score of any kind.
- Tip-off
- Jump ball to start the game.
- Usage
- Share of team plays a player ends.
Common mistakes
- Missing late scratches
- Check lineups.
- Confusing basket and points
- Free throws may not count.
- Ignoring the tip
- It matters a lot.
- Betting big on long odds
- Wins are rare.
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01Basics
What is a first basket bet?
A bet on which player scores the first field goal of an NBA game. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Do free throws count?
Not for first basket at most books, but first points markets include them. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What if my player does not play?
Most books void the bet and return the stake. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
02Odds
What are typical prices?
Often +400 for top scorers up to +1000 or more for low-usage starters. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Why does the tip-off matter?
The tip winner gets the first possession and first chance to score. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Are margins high?
Yes. The full market often adds up to 130% or more. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
03Rules
What if my player comes off the bench?
Rules vary; some books void and some let the bet stand. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Is there a team version?
Yes, team to score first, priced near even money. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Where can I get help?
If betting stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Fixed-odds betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Odds formats and implied chance
- Wizard of Odds — Sports betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 15, 2026Sports betting math
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER