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NBA first basket picks and predictions for Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 2/24.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Tuesday, February 24, 2026—are live with the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards 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.
Edwards, Desmond Bane and Zion Williamson lead Tuesday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also showcase tonight's top first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA first basket predictions tonight (February 24, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 15.4% |
| Desmond Bane | Magic | 15.0% |
| Zion Williamson | Pelicans | 14.9% |
| Luka Doncic | Lakers | 14.7% |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 14.2% |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 14.2% |
| Tristan Vukcevic | Wizards | 14.1% |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 13.5% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 13.2% |
| Ryan Rollins | Bucks | 13.1% |
| Brandon Ingram | Raptors | 13.0% |
| Saddiq Bey | Pelicans | 12.6% |
| Jalen Johnson | Hawks | 12.6% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 12.5% |
| Donovan Clingan | Trail Blazers | 12.5% |
NBA first basket picks today (February 24, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tristan Vukcevic | Wizards | 5.0% | +1000 | 14.1% |
| Desmond Bane | Magic | 4.4% | +850 | 15.0% |
| Ryan Rollins | Bucks | 3.1% | +900 | 13.1% |
| Jrue Holiday | Trail Blazers | 1.4% | +900 | 11.4% |
| Cason Wallace | Thunder | 1.1% | +900 | 11.1% |
| Jarace Walker | Pacers | 0.2% | +750 | 11.9% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 0.0% | +700 | 12.5% |
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 2/24.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Anthony Edwards, Desmond Bane and Zion Williamson lead our first basket projections, while Tristan Vukcevic shapes as the strongest value play at +1000. 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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