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Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Sunday, April 26, 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 4/26.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Sunday, April 26, 2026—are live with the Celtics' Jaylen Brown projected as the most likely player to score first.
Dimers’ first basket 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, LeBron James and Joel Embiid 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 Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (April 26, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 14.5% |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 13.4% |
| Joel Embiid | 76ers | 13.4% |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 12.7% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 11.9% |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 11.7% |
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 10.9% |
| Deandre Ayton | Lakers | 10.8% |
| Neemias Queta | Celtics | 10.7% |
| Rui Hachimura | Lakers | 10.4% |
| Reed Sheppard | Rockets | 9.4% |
| Paul George | 76ers | 8.5% |
| VJ Edgecombe | 76ers | 8.3% |
| Tari Eason | Rockets | 7.9% |
| Sam Hauser | Celtics | 7.8% |
NBA first basket picks today (April 26, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 1.8% | +1000 | 10.9% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 0.1% | +750 | 11.9% |
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 4/26.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onSunday, April 26, 2026, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid lead our first basket projections, while Amen Thompson 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.
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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