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Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Experience Officer
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 4/22.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Wednesday, April 22, 2026—are live with the Suns' Jalen Green 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.
Green, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Franz Wagner lead Wednesday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also identify tonight's top first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (April 22, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Green | Suns | 14.2% |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 13.6% |
| Franz Wagner | Magic | 12.7% |
| Jalen Williams | Thunder | 12.5% |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 12.2% |
| Devin Booker | Suns | 12.1% |
| Jalen Duren | Pistons | 11.5% |
| Desmond Bane | Magic | 10.7% |
| Paolo Banchero | Magic | 10.5% |
| Chet Holmgren | Thunder | 10.4% |
| Tobias Harris | Pistons | 10.0% |
| Duncan Robinson | Pistons | 9.2% |
| Dillon Brooks | Suns | 8.8% |
| Jalen Suggs | Magic | 8.1% |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Thunder | 7.4% |
NBA first basket picks today (April 22, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duncan Robinson | Pistons | 2.1% | +1300 | 9.2% |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 1.7% | +700 | 14.2% |
| Jalen Williams | Thunder | 0.7% | +750 | 12.5% |
| Franz Wagner | Magic | 0.2% | +700 | 12.7% |
| Tobias Harris | Pistons | 0.0% | +900 | 10.0% |
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 4/22.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onWednesday, April 22, 2026, Jalen Green, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Franz Wagner lead our first basket projections, while Duncan Robinson shapes as the strongest value play at +1300. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ NBA first basket model.
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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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