After a 44-game regular season and two playoff rounds, the WNBA Finals are here. Today is Game 1 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries. Of the many betting markets available, this post focuses on one - first baskets. Predicting the first basket is difficult, so the odds offer strong payouts. With a full season of data available, however, we can make more informed bets. The following are my best WNBA first basket scorers for each team.
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Saturday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Follow along and make sure to check out our WNBA First Basket Prop Bet Cheat Sheet for help identifying all of today's best prop bets.
Atlanta Dream First Basket Scorers
If you’re leaning toward a Dream player, know that Atlanta hasn’t thrived at scoring the first basket. They scored first in only 20 out of 44 regular-season games.
Rhyne Howard was the primary shooter, making the first basket in eight games, followed by Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada with four each. Angel Reese, while possibly the most well-known name on the roster, made the first basket in only two games.
In the postseason, the Dream scored the first basket in each game against Washington (Howard and Canada) but did not score first in any game against New York.
Of the 22 games in which someone made the first basket against Golden State, 12 were by guards. I would not lean toward betting on an Atlanta player. But since guards have had the best luck against Golden State, Gray, Canada and Howard are the best choices. If I had to pick one, I'd roll with Canada because she is the last player to make the first basket for Atlanta.
If I'm going to roll the dice, I'd rather take a chance on a bigger payday.
Picks: Jordin Canada (+850)/Rhyne Howard (+550)/Allisha Gray (+650)
Golden State Valkyries First Basket Scorers
The Valkyries recorded the first basket in 23 out of 44 games and ended the regular season on a roll, making the first basket in six of their last seven games. Cecilia Zandalasini led the way with Gabby Williams right behind her. Golden State scored the first basket in four of its six playoff games so far.
However, a different player made each one - Zandalasini and Williams.
Even though four different players have scored the first basket in the playoffs for the Valkyries, I have to go with either Williams or Zandalasini. Both are solid choices and have a good shot at scoring first today. Between the two, and this is a tough call, I'd go with Williams.
Williams has become Golden State’s primary scorer, averaging 22.7 points per game in the postseason. She led the team with 14.4 points per game during the regular season. Playing at home with the WNBA Championship just a few more wins away.
Williams will bring her A+ game from the start as she tries to lead her team to a title in just her second season with the franchise, making her a strong choice to score the first basket today.
Picks: Cecilia Zandalasini (+600)/Gabby Williams (+500)
