WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Friday (5/30)
Many factors contribute to who makes the first shot of a game, making it a challenging market to predict. But if it were easy, well, the payouts wouldn't be as good as they are.
If you are looking for a relatively safe and easy market, is there such a thing? But if you want to embrace the risk and take a shot at a nice reward, WNBA first-basket props are for you.
Friday’s Best WNBA First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever
Top First-Basket Candidates:
There isn't a pattern regarding either team here, so I think I’ll go with someone from the Fever simply because they play at the fastest pace in the WNBA, making it a little more likely they get the first shot, and possibly even the second or third.
In their first game without Caitlin Clark a few days ago, it was Natasha Howard sinking the first basket within five seconds to give the Fever an early lead (assist via Aliyah Boston). But I think I have to go with Kelsey Mitchell. She takes more shots per game than anyone (15.6), and that number may increase with Clark out. It would be nice if she had a better shot percentage (41%), but opportunity is key here.
Pick: Kelsey Mitchell (+550)
New York Liberty at Washington Mystics
Top First-Basket Candidates:
Neither team has scored the first basket very often this season. When someone does score first for their team, Sabrina Ionescu's name comes up a lot for the Liberty and Kiki Iriafen for the Mystics.
But if I’m going to go with one, I have to roll with Ionescu. Why not bet on favorite Breanna Stewart (+340)? Because Ionescu leads the team in attempts with 14 per game.
Pick: Sabrina Ionescu (+550)
Los Angeles Sparks at Las Vegas Aces
Top First-Basket Candidates:
A’ja Wilson isn't doing it all this year like she did last season, but she is still the most prolific player in the league. Putting the ball in her hands will never be a bad thing, and I always expect Las Vegas to try to get it to her.
As for the Sparks, I understand if you think Kelsey Plum is the better choice. But I bet opposing defenses are expecting her to take the first shot as well and are defending accordingly.
That leaves Dearica Hamby to take the shot. She has scored the first basket in a game already for the Sparks a few times this year.
Pick: Dearica Hamby (+650)
Minnesota Lynx at Phoenix Mercury
Top First-Basket Candidates:
Minnesota has yet to make the first shot in a game this season. If Phoenix is going to win, they know they need to get off to a fast start and make Minnesota come from behind. To that end, I can see Satou Sabally taking the first shot. If she misses, Alyssa Thomas pulling down the board and scoring a basket via a lay-up is a distinct possibility.
Sabally and Thomas have scored the first baskets this season; Sabally has done it twice. If you want to go with someone from Minnesota, I'd take the easy road and go with Napheesa Collier. She takes the most shots on the team (18.2 per game) and is making 52.7% of her shots.
Pick: Napheesa Collier (+360)
Atlanta Dream at Seattle Storm
Top First-Basket Candidates:
Both teams have been the first to score in a game this season. Rhyne Howard has been the source of the basket (twice) for Atlanta. Nneka Ogwumike has done it twice for Seattle.
Atlanta has a slightly faster pace of play, which makes Howard an enticing prospect. But Ogwumike is making 54.7% of her shots this season. I like her chances of making the first basket more than Howard, who is shooting 30.4% from the field..
Pick: Nneka Ogumike (+550)