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Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Experience Officer
Get first basket predictions today driven by expert analysis of NBA slate on 4/8.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Wednesday, April 8, 2026—are live with the Mavericks' Cooper Flagg projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections are based on detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Flagg, Kawhi Leonard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead Wednesday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also highlight tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA first basket predictions tonight (April 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | Mavericks | 21.0% |
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 18.0% |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 16.2% |
| Ryan Rollins | Bucks | 14.7% |
| Cedric Coward | Grizzlies | 13.9% |
| Franz Wagner | Magic | 13.7% |
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 13.3% |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 13.2% |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 12.9% |
| Jalen Duren | Pistons | 12.6% |
| Naz Reid | Timberwolves | 12.3% |
| De'Aaron Fox | Spurs | 12.2% |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 12.2% |
| Devin Booker | Suns | 12.0% |
| CJ McCollum | Hawks | 12.0% |
NBA first basket picks today (April 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | Mavericks | 8.5% | +700 | 21.0% |
| Naz Reid | Timberwolves | 3.9% | +1100 | 12.3% |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 2.8% | +650 | 16.2% |
| Jalen Johnson | Hawks | 2.6% | +1100 | 10.9% |
| Ryan Nembhard | Mavericks | 2.3% | +1300 | 9.5% |
| Jalen Williams | Thunder | 1.8% | +900 | 11.8% |
| Cedric Coward | Grizzlies | 1.4% | +700 | 13.9% |
| Ryan Rollins | Bucks | 1.3% | +650 | 14.7% |
| CJ McCollum | Hawks | 0.9% | +800 | 12.0% |
| Khris Middleton | Mavericks | 0.7% | +1000 | 9.8% |
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 4/8.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Cooper Flagg, Kawhi Leonard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead our first basket projections, with Flagg shaping as the strongest value play at +700. 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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