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.
Here are the best WNBA first basket bets for Friday, August 21st.
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Friday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 7-50 (-8.75U)
Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics
We start in Washington, where the Mystics host the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx as they jockey for playoff positioning. The last time these two faced off, it was a nail-biter, so this hopefully is just as exciting a matchup.
Despite Minnesota's record, they almost seem to concede the opening tip to set up their schemes. Overall, the Lynx have won just 20% of their tips, securing the first basket in only 31% of their games.
Natasha Howard is 2-14 in tips on the road this season. So that leads me to believe Washington will take the first shot. Minnesota does such an effective job on the interior that it forces opponents to attempt shots from deep. No team has allowed more attempts from beyond the arc against them than the Lynx.
That leads us to Sonia Citron. She scored the first basket for the Mystics the last time these two faced off, and no player on this squad has attempted more threes per game than she has. It's a longshot, but I like the value here.
Pick: Sonia Citron (+850 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Portland Fire vs. Toronto Tempo
For the matchup between the two first-year programs, there are many ways this can go. Toronto has been historically bad lately with injuries and poor play, but they still line up well to secure the ball off the tip.
Nyara Sabally is out, leaving Isabelle Harrison in the circle. Harrison has gone 8-2 in her 10 attempts on the jump. Portland's defense has also been a bottom-three unit all season. Toronto doesn't need a ton of luck to get off to a good start here. Without Sabally and Marina Mabrey, it really opens up the floor for first-bucket options.
My choice is Laura Juskaite. Among starters, she leads the team in first-shot attempts and first baskets, and she's able to get to the rim for high-percentage looks. Juskaite isn't exactly a dark horse, but with her high first-shot percentage, I'm happy with the odds.
Pick: Laura Juskaite (+850 at Fanatics Sportsbook)
