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Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Thursday, May 21, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 5/21.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Thursday, May 21, 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, Jalen Brunson and Jarrett Allen lead Thursday’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 21, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 16.6% |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 15.0% |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 10.7% |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 9.9% |
| OG Anunoby | Knicks | 9.8% |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 9.5% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 9.5% |
| James Harden | Cavaliers | 8.1% |
| Josh Hart | Knicks | 6.3% |
| Dean Wade | Cavaliers | 4.7% |
NBA first basket picks today (May 21, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 2.4% | +600 | 16.6% |
| OG Anunoby | Knicks | 0.7% | +1000 | 9.8% |
| Dean Wade | Cavaliers | 0.4% | +2200 | 4.7% |
| Josh Hart | Knicks | 0.1% | +1500 | 6.3% |
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 5/21.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson and Jarrett Allen lead our first basket projections, with Mitchell shaping as the strongest value play at +600. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
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Nick Slade, with nearly two decades of experience, is the Chief Content Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, overseeing content for Dimers. He specializes in soccer, NBA, and NHL betting, leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning to provide accurate betting insights.
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