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Read Article NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Friday, May 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 5/8.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, May 8, 2026—are live with the Knicks' Jalen Brunson projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections derive insights from detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Brunson, Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid lead Friday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also spotlight tonight's top first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
NBA Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (May 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 17.0% |
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 14.9% |
| Joel Embiid | 76ers | 13.4% |
| Jaden McDaniels | Timberwolves | 13.2% |
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 12.6% |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 12.4% |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 11.8% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 11.8% |
| De'Aaron Fox | Spurs | 11.3% |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 10.2% |
| Stephon Castle | Spurs | 9.7% |
| Paul George | 76ers | 9.1% |
| VJ Edgecombe | 76ers | 8.4% |
| Devin Vassell | Spurs | 7.3% |
| Mike Conley | Timberwolves | 6.8% |
NBA first basket picks today (May 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hart | Knicks | 1.1% | +1700 | 6.7% |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 1.1% | +1000 | 10.1% |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 0.3% | +500 | 17.0% |
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 5/8.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onFriday, May 8, 2026, Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid lead our first basket projections, while Josh Hart shapes as the strongest value play at +1700. 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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