...
...
Read Article
- More Betting
NBA first basket picks and predictions for Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 4/1.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Wednesday, April 1, 2026—are live with the Pacers' Pascal Siakam projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections derive insights from key first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Siakam, Victor Wembanyama and Brice Sensabaugh lead Wednesday’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 (April 1, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | Pacers | 17.0% |
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 16.2% |
| Brice Sensabaugh | Jazz | 14.2% |
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 14.2% |
| Tre Jones | Bulls | 14.1% |
| Joel Embiid | 76ers | 13.6% |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 13.6% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 13.1% |
| Ryan Rollins | Bucks | 13.0% |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 12.8% |
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 12.8% |
| Tyler Herro | Heat | 12.8% |
| Gui Santos | Warriors | 12.6% |
| CJ McCollum | Hawks | 12.6% |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 12.6% |
NBA first basket picks today (April 1, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tre Jones | Bulls | 4.1% | +900 | 14.1% |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 4.1% | +950 | 13.6% |
| Brice Sensabaugh | Jazz | 2.4% | +750 | 14.2% |
| Kyle Kuzma | Bucks | 2.2% | +950 | 11.7% |
| Jalen Johnson | Hawks | 1.7% | +950 | 11.2% |
| RJ Barrett | Raptors | 1.6% | +850 | 12.1% |
| Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Grizzlies | 1.4% | +900 | 11.4% |
| Tre Johnson | Wizards | 1.3% | +950 | 10.8% |
| Alex Sarr | Wizards | 0.9% | +850 | 11.4% |
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 0.9% | +650 | 14.2% |
| DeMar DeRozan | Kings | 0.6% | +750 | 12.4% |
| CJ McCollum | Hawks | 0.1% | +700 | 12.6% |
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 4/1.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Pascal Siakam, Victor Wembanyama and Brice Sensabaugh lead our first basket projections, while Tre Jones shapes as the strongest value play at +900. 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.
Damien Souness leverages over 15 years of experience to create engaging content focused on sports, online gaming and wagering. As Chief Innovation Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, the parent company of Dimers, he offers strategic insights and innovative solutions to enhance the player experience.
Advertiser disclosure