...
...
Read Article
NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Monday, May 11, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 5/11.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Monday, May 11, 2026—are live with the Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell 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.
Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham lead Monday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also highlight tonight's top first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (May 11, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 15.5% |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 14.2% |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 14.2% |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 13.1% |
| Chet Holmgren | Thunder | 12.9% |
| Tobias Harris | Pistons | 12.9% |
| Deandre Ayton | Lakers | 10.5% |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 10.2% |
| Rui Hachimura | Lakers | 10.2% |
| Ajay Mitchell | Thunder | 9.8% |
| Austin Reaves | Lakers | 9.6% |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 9.6% |
| James Harden | Cavaliers | 9.2% |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Thunder | 8.2% |
| Duncan Robinson | Pistons | 8.1% |
NBA first basket picks today (May 11, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tobias Harris | Pistons | 3.8% | +1000 | 12.9% |
| Duncan Robinson | Pistons | 1.4% | +1400 | 8.1% |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 0.8% | +650 | 14.1% |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 0.6% | +700 | 13.1% |
| Ausar Thompson | Pistons | 0.3% | +1300 | 7.5% |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 0.1% | +550 | 15.5% |
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 5/11.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onMonday, May 11, 2026, Donovan Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham lead our first basket projections, while Tobias Harris shapes as the strongest value play at +1000. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Continue reading with Dimers Pro
Join now to unlock this article and get full access to our predictions and betting tools. Cancel anytime.
$0 for 3 days
then $14.99/week
Already a Pro member? Log in
New here? See everything Pro includes
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.
Advertiser disclosure