Mondays can always be a bit tough, but there is something that can absolutely help take the edge off: Watching the three WNBA games and betting on WNBA first basket scorers. It's a challenging market, but the payoff makes taking the risk worth it.
The following are my top WNBA first basket scorer picks for tonight's games.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Monday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings
I'm targeting A'ja Wilson because the Aces have attempted the first shot in eight out of 13 games and made the first basket in eight games. Wilson is one of three players to do so twice (for each). If I'm going to bet on anyone doing something of an offense-like nature, I'm betting on Wilson every time.
But I might lean a little heavier towards someone from the Wings. While they have attempted the first shot in three games, they've made the first basket in nine out of 13 games, including five of their last six. Las Vegas made the first basket in two of its last five.
Bueckers has to be the first choice when it comes to a Dallas player making the first basket. She attempted the first shot in two games and made the first basket in four. As the focal point of the offense, it is fair to expect her to have the ball in her hands early and often.
Picks: A'ja Wilson (+280)/Paige Bueckers (+650)/Maddy Siegrist (+850)
Portland Fire vs. Minnesota Lynx
Neither team is a great choice in this game, which has me leaning towards making a longshot bet. Portland has attempted the first shot in six games but made the first basket in five. Minnesota has attempted the first shot in five games but has made it in just three. However, Emily Engstler has made the first shot in Portland's last two games.
That is a good enough excuse for me to roll the dice on a longshot like Engstler for this game.
Pick: Emily Engstler (+850)
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Golden State Valkyries
When I first started looking into this game, I thought I'd want to focus on the Sparks since they are a high-scoring offense. But Golden State has a distinct advantage regarding first-basket props. Both Kayla Thornton and Gabby Williams have attempted the first shot in four games. Williams made the first basket in three, and Thornton did so once.
However, there is also one player from the Sparks that I must include here - Nneka Ogwumike. She is one of two players for the Sparks who have attempted the first shot twice in a game. But she has also made the first basket in three. I’d lean towards Williams, but either of the other two is a solid choice.
Picks: Kayla Thornton (+500)/Gabby Williams (+550)/Nneka Ogwumike (+550)
