Now that we are past the WNBA All-Star Game, the second half of the season is underway. WNBA first basket scorers are among 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 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 took some big swings last time out and had some big misses. It's a good time to bounce back. Here are the best WNBA first basket picks for Friday, July 31st.
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Friday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 7-40 (-1.65 units)
Seattle Storm vs. Atlanta Dream
It may just be me, but it feels like the Dream have been playing a ton recently. I write these articles on Wednesdays and Fridays, and it always seems to line up with Atlanta's schedule. But I digress. The Dream host the Storm here as 12.5-point favorites with the total around 178.5 points.
Not only do I expect Atlanta to crush Seattle, but I also expect them to get on the board first. Angel Reese will face off against Dominique Malonga. Reese not only has a better tip-off record on the season but has already beaten Malonga on the tip this year.
Assuming Atlanta gets the first crack at a bucket, we have a lot of options. Last time out, Rhyne Howard got the first look, but it was an off-balance three-pointer. Before that, Reese was out, and Seattle actually secured the jump and first point.
This time, I'm going with Allisha Gray. Her usage has been steady all season, but her early game usage is due for positive regression. She has been quite involved for Atlanta but still falls down the odds board, offering a lot of value. With Atlanta, there are so many options that I wouldn't go crazy with units, but I still see this as clear value.
Pick: Allisha Gray (+600 at BetRivers)
Indiana Fever vs. Portland Fire
It hasn't been the best inaugural season for Portland, with an 11-17 record and three straight losses. Their defense also ranks 13th over their last 10 games while the Fever’s offense has been the single best unit in the WNBA across that same time frame. Even if Portland wins the tip, I still expect Indiana to make the first bucket.
Either way, I lean the Fever on the tip as well. It should be Aliyah Boston against Megan Gustafson, and Boston has already handled her once this year.
In that game, Boston got the ball right back for an easy layup to open the game, and I'm going right back to the well here. It's absolutely a juiced line, and you should double-check Boston's injury status before the game. Boston and Kelsey Mitchell account for 12 of Indiana’s first-shot attempts. Either option is solid, but Boston is just a bit better value.
Pick: Aliyah Boston (+518 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
