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NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Friday, May 8, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Get first basket predictions today driven by expert analysis of NBA slate on 5/8.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, May 8, 2026—are live with the Knicks' Jalen Brunson projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections draw on key first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Brunson, Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid lead Friday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also highlight tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (May 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 14.9% |
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 14.9% |
| Joel Embiid | 76ers | 13.4% |
| Jaden McDaniels | Timberwolves | 13.2% |
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 12.6% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 12.4% |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 11.8% |
| De'Aaron Fox | Spurs | 11.3% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 10.3% |
| Stephon Castle | Spurs | 9.7% |
| Paul George | 76ers | 9.1% |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 8.9% |
| VJ Edgecombe | 76ers | 8.4% |
| Devin Vassell | Spurs | 7.3% |
| Mike Conley | Timberwolves | 6.8% |
NBA first basket picks today (May 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VJ Edgecombe | 76ers | 0.0% | +1100 | 8.3% |
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 5/8.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onFriday, May 8, 2026, Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid lead our first basket projections, while VJ Edgecombe shapes as the strongest value play at +1100. 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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