WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Friday (8/7)
Now that we are past the WNBA All-Star game, the second-half of the season is underway. WNBA first basket props are some of the best ways to get into action as you don't have to sweat the entire game before it cashes. Of course, these are high variance, long odds similar to first touchdown in football, but that is why the odds allow for a nice payout when you get one right. Over a long sample size, the risk gets rewarded. Remember to shop around as odds vary widely across books and remember this is for first point scorer, so free throws also count.
We missed some close calls last time out but are still in the green on the season and I plan on keeping it that way tonight. Here are the best first basket bets for the Friday, August 7th slate.
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Friday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-3 | Season: 7-43 (+1.75U)
Phoenix Mercury vs. Connecticut Sun
Once again we're back with the Phoenix Mercury as they head northeast to take on the Connecticut Sun. The tip will likely be between Natasha Mack and Olivia Nelson-Ododa. Nelson-Odoba is a clean 5-1 on tips this year so I don't mind putting trust in her to bring down possession for the Sun.
After that, it's up in the air for Connecticut. Their first basket leader is Brittney Griner, who will almost certainly be out in this game. If she's in, she will still likely win the opening tip herself anyways. Beyond that, three different players are tied for second in first shot attempts. On the season, no team attempts a higher percent of their field goals from inside the arc than the Sun. Over 60 percent of their points come from inside the arc. The Mercury are a bottom four defense so there are a lot of options but I'm going with the best frontcourt option and that's Nelson-Ododa. She leads the team in first shot attempts when Griner isn't on the court and the odds aren't the most juiced.
Pick: Olivia Nelson-Ododa (+470 at FanDuel)
Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics
Next up we once again have the Atlanta Dream, this time traveling to face the Washington Mystics. I'm again confident in Shakira Austin's ability to take down the opening tip with her 70 percent win rate. Even if Angel Reese does win the opening tip, the Mystics defense gets home court advantage and has the second best defense over their last 10 games.
From there, again, it's anyone's guess. Surprisingly, the Mystics have taken 73 percent of first shot attempts this year and have done so in 11 of their 13 home games. Over half of those attempts have been layups and Shakira Austin has been dominant in the first bucket category with seven. No other Mystics player has more than two. I may be repeating myself here but I'm once again going right back to the well, just this time at better odds.
Pick: Shakira Austin (+440 at FanDuel)
Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings
Finally tonight we have the Golden State Valkyries taking on the Dallas Wings. Kiah Stokes for Golden State will likely face off against Awak Kuier. With her 6'6 frame and history between each other, I expect Kuier to win the opening tip.
The issue is Golden State's top ranked defense, which has been just as good in recent play. But considering how the Wings own the best home defense in the league, we might see a lot of shot looks before a first point happens. This means we can go down the rabbit hole a bit.
Both teams are bottom four in three point shot attempts against their opponent so I do expect the bucket to come from inside the arc or at the charity stripe. With the soft trust in Kuier to win the tip, I'll lean a Dallas option but genuinely, you can go anyone here. Besides Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale takes the most shot attempts on the team. She's down the board in odds but can score at any level. It's a dart throw so proceed with caution.
Pick: Arike Ogunbowale (+900 at Fanatics)