WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Friday (8/14)
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're in the red, but I trust the process, considering we had a first-shot look from one of our longshots lost last week. Here are the best first basket bets for Friday, August 14th.
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Friday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 7-48 (-4.75U)
Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever
We start off in Indiana, where the Fever host the Wings. This is a massive game for standings, as only a game and a half separate Indiana in fourth and Dallas in seventh. This tip will likely be between Awak Kuier and Aliyah Boston. It will be the first time these two have faced off in the circle, but I lean Boston and Indiana to secure the first possession. She's won 60% of tips this year compared to Kuier's 47% win rate, and the splits are in favor of Indiana as well.
Dallas' defense ranks fifth overall this year, but on the road it drops to 12th. Indiana should be able to secure a first basket in their opening possession, as they did when these two squared off to open the season. Back then, Kelsey Mitchell got the first look and the basket, and I'm tempted to go back to her. Boston herself is probable but has been dealing with a right leg injury, while Caitlin Clark has been dealing with a back issue.
I understand how this is a small, one-possession sample size, but it's hard to trust either Fever star to secure a bucket to start the game. The next best option is Mitchell, and the stats have backed it up. She not only leads the team in first baskets but has taken 44% of the team’s first shots, three more than the next closest player. With her odds down the board a bit, I'm quite comfortable betting on Mitchell to open up the scoring.
Pick: Kelsey Mitchell (+600)
Portland Fire vs. Seattle Storm
For the other game tonight, the Battle of the Pacific Northwest squads will face off as Portland travels north to take on the Seattle Storm. Portland has been hit by injuries, with five players out. Megan DiLeo will likely take the tip against Dominique Malonga. Malonga has had her number, going 3-0 against the Portland jumper this year.
In those three opening tip-off battles, Malonga secured the first shot for Seattle twice. It's difficult sometimes to go to the favorite because the odds are so juiced. But Malonga has secured seven first baskets on the team. No other player has more than three. Portland's interior defense has struggled in the past to contain Malonga, so I'm keeping it simple here, despite the odds.
Pick: Dominique Malonga (+350)