May 17, 2026
NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Sunday, May 17, 2026
Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Sunday, April 12, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get first basket predictions today driven by expert analysis of NBA slate on 4/12.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Sunday, April 12, 2026—are live with the Celtics' Jaylen Brown projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections draw on detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Victor Wembanyama lead Sunday’s most likely first basket scorers.
NBA first basket predictions tonight (April 12, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 17.1% |
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 16.7% |
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 16.5% |
| Cooper Flagg | Mavericks | 15.6% |
| Tre Jones | Bulls | 15.3% |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 15.3% |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 14.2% |
| Darius Garland | Clippers | 14.2% |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 13.8% |
| Franz Wagner | Magic | 13.6% |
| LaMelo Ball | Hornets | 13.1% |
| Jeremiah Fears | Pelicans | 13.0% |
| Deandre Ayton | Lakers | 13.0% |
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 12.7% |
| Dillon Brooks | Suns | 12.7% |
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Sunday, April 12, 2026, Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Victor Wembanyama lead our first basket projections. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
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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.
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