The WNBA season is in full swing, and it's shaping up to be a fun one with the expansion of teams and arguably the most talent the league has ever seen. WNBA first basket scorers are some of the best ways to get in on the action, as 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 allow for a nice payout when you get one right. Over a long sample size, the risk gets rewarded. Remember to shop around as odds vary widely across sportsbooks. Remember, these bets are for the first point scorer, so free throws also count.
We hit another first basket bet on Wednesday and are looking to stay hot tonight. Here are the best WNBA first basket scorers and picks for Friday, May 22nd.
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Friday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 1-1 | Season: 3-5 (+13.85 units) | Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream
We start in Atlanta, where the 2-1 Dream host the 3-2 Dallas Wings as 5.5-point favorites. These two squads played 10 days ago in Dallas, with Atlanta grinding out a 77-72 win with Allisha Gray posting 26 points. The Dream continues to deal with injuries, with Brionna Jones out. Rhyne Howard has been cleared from concussion protocol, though.
When these two matched up earlier this month, Gray missed a layup that would have been the first basket, which Atlanta scripted to her or Angel Reese. Reese has been solid at winning opening tips and should be able to handle Alanna Smith, who will jump for Dallas.
Despite winning tip-offs, Atlanta has only capitalized on the first basket once in their three games, but the Dream should be able to capitalize against the Wings’ subpar defense. I'd put good money on the first basket scorer being Gray or Reese. I prefer the value Gray provides more.
Pick: Allisha Gray (+660)
Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever
In Indiana, the 3-2 Fever host the 3-1 Valkyries as 6.5-point favorites. Indiana is fresh off a 90-73 win over the Portland Fire despite missing Caitlin Clark. The Fever star is expected to be back in the lineup. Aliyah Boston stepped up and posted 24 points in 21 minutes of play in Clark’s absence.
This game sets up for Indiana to score first. Kiah Stokes has taken the jump in three games for Golden State, and she's lost all three times. Her 6-foot-3 frame is a tough match for Boston, who is 6-foot-5 and has won 75% of her opening tip-offs so far this season.
Indiana has secured the first basket in four of their five games, with Kelsey Mitchell collecting two of those first baskets. Obviously, it's early in the season, so I do expect Boston and Clark to get more run eventually. However, at 8-1 odds, you're getting great value on Mitchell if you don't want to take the easy payout with Boston, who is also a solid choice.
Pick: Kelsey Mitchell (+800)
Connecticut Sun vs. Seattle Storm
Finally, in Seattle, the 1-4 Storm host the 1-5 Connecticut Sun. This is not the most exciting game. Still, it's one we can bet on, which is all that matters. Brittney Griner is a game-time decision after missing the last game, but should be back tonight. She should take the tip, assuming she's cleared. Either way, I like the Sun to score first.
We saw Aaliyah Edwards step up and win the tip last time against Seattle, and she can do the same if Griner remains sidelined. Of course, Griner is the heavy first basket scorer favorite on the court, but I'm going a different route.
Considering how well Edwards has been scoring, I'm comfortable with a bit of a longshot here. Edwards played 27 minutes and tallied 12 points against Seattle on Wednesday, so she's a capable scorer. It won't exactly take much for her to be the first scorer.
Pick: Aaliyah Edwards (+650)
