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NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Friday, April 24, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 4/24.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, April 24, 2026—are live with the Celtics' Jaylen Brown projected as the most likely player to score first.
Dimers’ first basket projections draw on key first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Deni Avdija lead Friday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also showcase tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (April 24, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 15.0% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 13.9% |
| Deni Avdija | Trail Blazers | 13.8% |
| Kevin Durant | Rockets | 13.0% |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 12.8% |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 12.7% |
| Deandre Ayton | Lakers | 11.8% |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 11.6% |
| Paul George | 76ers | 11.4% |
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 10.8% |
| Scoot Henderson | Trail Blazers | 10.8% |
| Neemias Queta | Celtics | 10.5% |
| Rui Hachimura | Lakers | 10.4% |
| VJ Edgecombe | 76ers | 10.4% |
| De'Aaron Fox | Spurs | 10.3% |
NBA first basket picks today (April 24, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 1.7% | +1000 | 10.8% |
| VJ Edgecombe | 76ers | 0.9% | +950 | 10.4% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 0.5% | +650 | 13.9% |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 0.3% | +700 | 12.8% |
Edges represent the difference between model probability and implied odds.
For more insights on prop markets and value plays across the league, explore our full list of NBA prop bets for 4/24.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onFriday, April 24, 2026, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Deni Avdija lead our first basket projections, while Amen Thompson shapes as the strongest value play at +1000. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
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Damien Souness leverages over 15 years of experience to create engaging content focused on sports, online gaming and wagering. As Chief Innovation Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, the parent company of Dimers, he offers strategic insights and innovative solutions to enhance the player experience.
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