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NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Sunday, April 19, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 4/19.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Sunday, April 19, 2026—are live with the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama projected as the most likely player to score first.
Dimers’ first basket projections derive insights from detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead Sunday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also spotlight tonight's top first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (April 19, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 17.1% |
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 15.1% |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 15.1% |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 14.2% |
| Franz Wagner | Magic | 13.5% |
| Deni Avdija | Trail Blazers | 13.5% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 13.3% |
| Paul George | 76ers | 12.1% |
| Jalen Williams | Thunder | 12.0% |
| Jalen Duren | Pistons | 11.8% |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 11.7% |
| Devin Booker | Suns | 11.6% |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 11.1% |
| Desmond Bane | Magic | 10.5% |
| Jrue Holiday | Trail Blazers | 10.4% |
NBA first basket picks today (April 19, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Williams | Thunder | 2.0% | +900 | 12.0% |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 1.7% | +700 | 14.2% |
| Franz Wagner | Magic | 1.7% | +750 | 13.5% |
| Duncan Robinson | Pistons | 0.9% | +1100 | 9.3% |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 0.8% | +600 | 15.1% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 0.8% | +700 | 13.3% |
| Sam Hauser | Celtics | 0.1% | +1200 | 7.8% |
| VJ Edgecombe | 76ers | 0.0% | +950 | 9.5% |
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 4/19.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onSunday, April 19, 2026, Victor Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead our first basket projections, while Jalen Williams shapes as the strongest value play at +900. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
For tips and resources on responsible wagering, visit our Responsible Gambling section.
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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