The WNBA has reached the playoffs, and now we're working to finish the season strong and in the green. WNBA first basket scorers are one of the best ways to get in on the action, since you don't have to sweat the entire game.
Of course, these are high-variance bets with long odds, similar to first touchdown scorer bets in football, but that is why the odds offer a nice payout when you get one right. With a large sample size, the risk is rewarded. Remember to shop around as odds vary widely across sportsbooks. Remember, these bets are on the first point scorer, so free throws count as well.
It has been quite the up-and-down season, but that's what happens when you bet such long-odds plays. Here are the best WNBA first basket picks for Friday, October 9th.
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Friday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 9-60 (+1.15 units)
Las Vegas Aces vs. Golden State Valkyries
The WNBA semifinals continue with Game 3 between the Aces and the Valkyries, with the Valkyries holding a commanding 2-0 lead as the series heads to Las Vegas. Chelsea Gray hit a three-pointer for the first points of Game 1. In Game 2, Kayla Thornton scored the first basket.
Brianna Turner will likely take the tip again against Kiah Stokes, and Turner has gone 1-for-7 on the tip in her limited attempts. Despite being on the road, I fully expect Stokes to secure the tip and the Valkyries to score the first bucket again tonight.
Historically this season, Cecilia Zandalasini and Gabby Williams have accounted for the bulk of the team’s first baskets, totaling 15. But Thornton led the team in first-shot attempts in the regular season, not to mention that she's secured the first shot attempt in both semifinal games this series. I know it's not common to go back-to-back in first buckets, but it does seem like the Valkyries are consistently going to her early. With her odds down the board, it's an easy click with the value offered.
Pick: Kayla Thornton (+860 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
Our other game of the day is the Liberty hosting the Dream with a two-game deficit but as 2.5-point favorites. To open the series, Pauline Astier secured the first point after Allisha Gray missed a five-foot jumper to open the game. In Game 2, it was Jonquel Jones after Astier missed the first shot. Jones and Angel Reese will compete on the tip, and both have been solid this season, with a near-60% opening-tip win rate. Jones won it last time, taking the lifetime lead 3-2 between them.
Given that the Liberty are at home with a bit of a bump to New York, I'm leaning toward the Liberty scoring first. Breanna Stewart leads the team in first-shot attempts, and it's hard to trust anyone else more than the leading scorer. The Dream allows the lowest percentage of shots from deep, and no one on the team attempts more two-point shots than Stewart. She is one of the favorites to score the first basket, but the odds aren’t crazy short, so I'm comfortable with the bet.
Pick: Breanna Stewart (+500 at PointsBet)
