WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Friday (6/26)
We are well into the WNBA season, 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. With a large sample size, the risk is 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've gone a bit cold over the last couple of weeks, but it's a good thing we jumped out to such a good start. It's a good time to bounce back. Here are the best WNBA first basket picks for Friday, June 26th.
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Friday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 6-26 (+12.15 units) | Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Portland Fire vs. Chicago Sky
We open in the Windy City, where the Chicago Sky host the Portland Fire. We just saw this matchup on Wednesday, if you remember, where Megan Gustafson made a three-pointer to open up the game. Usually for Portland, Luisa Geiselsoder has been taking the tip, but on Wednesday, it was Gustafson, and I expect the same tonight.
Assuming that's the case again, I expect Portland to earn possession off the jump. They've varied in how their opening sets fare, and with that in consideration, it's easy to find value here.
Emily Engstler leads the team in first baskets. She is capable of hoisting up an early three-pointer or scoring at the rim. Portland has shifted its rotation around, and Engstler is the only player who has started all 18 games. There is trust there from coach Alex Sarama. Considering she already leads the team in first baskets, taking Engstler at +760 provides solid value.
Pick: Emily Engstler (+760)
Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries
Once again, we have another Wednesday rematch that saw Rhyne Howard sink a jumper for the first bucket of the game. Atlanta has scored nine first baskets this season, and Howard has accounted for four of them.
Angel Reese has been solid on the jump, already beating Kiah Stokes. Despite Howard's prolific nature and the clear leader in first-shot attempts, she's listed at only +500 to score first.
If you're looking for pure value, Naz Hillmon is an option at +1500. She has accounted for three first shots, one behind Howard. It's surprising how Reese hasn't been involved in the opening possession. There are only two choices for me tonight, and I'm going to stick with Howard.
Pick: Rhyne Howard (+500)