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Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Experience Officer
Get first basket predictions today backed by expert analysis of NBA slate on 2/4.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Wednesday, February 4, 2026—are live with the Clippers' Kawhi Leonard projected as the most likely player to score first.
Dimers’ first basket projections draw on detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Leonard, Payton Pritchard and Nikola Jokic lead Wednesday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also spotlight tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA first basket predictions tonight (February 4, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 17.9% |
| Payton Pritchard | Celtics | 16.6% |
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 15.6% |
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 15.2% |
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 15.2% |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 14.0% |
| Zion Williamson | Pelicans | 13.3% |
| Jamal Murray | Nuggets | 13.3% |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 12.7% |
| Kevin Durant | Rockets | 12.3% |
| RJ Barrett | Raptors | 12.2% |
| Ryan Rollins | Bucks | 12.2% |
| Myles Turner | Bucks | 12.0% |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 12.0% |
| Kyle Kuzma | Bucks | 11.9% |
NBA first basket picks today (February 4, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ Barrett | Raptors | 3.1% | +1000 | 12.2% |
| Peyton Watson | Nuggets | 2.4% | +1100 | 10.7% |
| Jaylon Tyson | Cavaliers | 2.1% | +1000 | 11.2% |
| DeMar DeRozan | Kings | 1.7% | +1100 | 10.1% |
| Zach LaVine | Kings | 1.3% | +1000 | 10.3% |
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 1.2% | +500 | 17.9% |
| Payton Pritchard | Celtics | 1.2% | +550 | 16.5% |
| Immanuel Quickley | Raptors | 0.1% | +950 | 9.6% |
| Scottie Barnes | Raptors | 0.1% | +850 | 10.6% |
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 2/4.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Kawhi Leonard, Payton Pritchard and Nikola Jokic lead our first basket projections, while RJ Barrett shapes as the strongest value play at +1000. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
For guidance on safer wagering habits, explore our Responsible Gambling resources.
Damien Souness is Chief Experience Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, helping lead sports media brands such as Dimers. He specializes in creating trustworthy and data-driven content for sports fans, with experience working for globally recognized sports and media organizations.
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