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NBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of NBA slate on 4/29.
Our NBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Wednesday, April 29, 2026—are live with the Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections make use of key first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily NBA player projections.
Mitchell, LeBron James and Alperen Sengun 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 29, 2026)
| Player | Team | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 13.4% |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 12.9% |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 12.7% |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 12.6% |
| RJ Barrett | Raptors | 12.4% |
| Paolo Banchero | Magic | 12.3% |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 11.9% |
| Deandre Ayton | Lakers | 11.5% |
| Desmond Bane | Magic | 11.4% |
| Scottie Barnes | Raptors | 11.3% |
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 10.9% |
| Jalen Duren | Pistons | 10.7% |
| Brandon Ingram | Raptors | 10.7% |
| Jamal Cain | Magic | 10.6% |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 10.5% |
NBA first basket picks today (April 29, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ Barrett | Raptors | 3.3% | +1000 | 12.4% |
| Tari Eason | Rockets | 3.1% | +1700 | 8.7% |
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 1.4% | +950 | 10.9% |
| Scottie Barnes | Raptors | 1.3% | +900 | 11.3% |
| Jakob Poeltl | Raptors | 0.8% | +950 | 10.4% |
| Duncan Robinson | Pistons | 0.8% | +1200 | 8.5% |
| Jamal Cain | Magic | 0.6% | +900 | 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 4/29.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For the Playoffs action onWednesday, April 29, 2026, Donovan Mitchell, LeBron James and Alperen Sengun 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 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.
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