WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Dream vs. Valkyries (Monday)
The WNBA Finals got a little more interesting when the Golden State Valkyries took Game 4 to tie the series 2-2. Once again, the Atlanta Dream scored first when Allisha Gray hit a free throw at the 9:15 mark of the first quarter. Who will score first in Game 5 tonight? Will it be someone from Atlanta again, or will Golden State finally score first? Let's discuss some WNBA first basket scorers.
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Monday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
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At this point, it is hard to make a solid argument for Golden State, even though they were one of the league’s better teams during the regular season for first-basket props. Atlanta has scored first in all four WNBA Finals games. Does that mean you should completely overlook the Valkyries for this prop? Absolutely not.
Golden State Valkyries First Basket Scorers
I don't think Golden State has a good choice for this prop. Yes, they were great at scoring first during the regular season, but not so much in the playoffs. Maybe it is because they are playing an Atlanta team that is solid on both ends of the court.
If the Valkyries take the first shot and miss, the Dream has a good chance to make it (assuming they get the rebound). With that in mind, if I'm going to bet on a Golden State player tonight, I'm betting on Tiffany Hayes over Gabby Williams because she’s shooting slightly better (40.2%).
But I'm probably going to bet on someone from Atlanta instead.
Pick: Tiffany Hayes (+650)
Atlanta Dream First Basket Scorers
I'm torn between Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. Howard has made the first basket more often (eight) and taken the first shot more often (11). But Gray has taken the first shot seven times and made the first basket five times. Gray tends to be more involved in the game's early possessions, which makes me lean toward her. But Howard's track record is hard to deny. Between the two, I'd go with Gray because she shoots the ball better.
However, if you want a long shot, I like Jordin Canada. She’s made the first basket six times and attempted the first shot six times. Canada has a better shooting percentage than Gray and Howard, and averages double-digit shots per game.
Picks: Jordin Canada (+900)/Rhyne Howard (+550)/Allisha Gray (+650)