...
...
Read Article
- More Betting
NBA first basket picks and predictions for Sunday, February 8, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get first basket predictions today backed by expert analysis of NBA slate on 2/8.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Sunday, February 8, 2026—are live with the Celtics' Jaylen Brown 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.
Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam lead Sunday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also identify tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA first basket predictions tonight (February 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 17.7% |
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 17.6% |
| Pascal Siakam | Pacers | 16.7% |
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 15.0% |
| Alex Sarr | Wizards | 14.3% |
| John Collins | Clippers | 12.4% |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 12.1% |
| Norman Powell | Heat | 12.1% |
| Bam Adebayo | Heat | 12.0% |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 11.7% |
| Brandon Ingram | Raptors | 11.7% |
| RJ Barrett | Raptors | 11.1% |
| Andrew Wiggins | Heat | 11.0% |
| Kyshawn George | Wizards | 10.9% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 10.7% |
NBA first basket picks today (February 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jay Huff | Pacers | 2.1% | +1400 | 8.8% |
| Alex Sarr | Wizards | 1.8% | +700 | 14.3% |
| Justin Champagnie | Wizards | 1.5% | +1200 | 9.2% |
| Kyshawn George | Wizards | 1.4% | +950 | 10.9% |
| RJ Barrett | Raptors | 1.1% | +900 | 11.1% |
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 1.0% | +500 | 17.7% |
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 0.9% | +500 | 17.6% |
| OG Anunoby | Knicks | 0.7% | +900 | 10.7% |
| Jaden McDaniels | Timberwolves | 0.0% | +1000 | 9.1% |
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 2/8.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Sunday, February 8, 2026, Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam lead our first basket projections, while Jay Huff shapes as the strongest value play at +1400. 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.
Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
Advertiser disclosure