Every winning bet is a "feel-good" bet; you can't help but be in a positive mood after winning a wager. But there is something about winning WNBA first basket scorers markets that is just a little more satisfying. I'm not just talking about the higher payout, too.
OK, the higher payout has a lot to do with it. Here are my best WNBA first basket picks for tonight's games.
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Monday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun
New York is the better team by far, but that doesn't necessarily matter when it comes to making the first shot. I'm not sure I can make a convincing case for one team over the other in this game. I want to lean towards New York, but while they've had five players attempt the first shot, six have made one (Breanna Stewart has made two).
As for Connecticut, five players have attempted the first shot, with Aneesah Morrow being the only one to do so twice. She is also the only player on the team to make the first basket twice, while two others have done so once (Aaliyah Edwards and Brittney Griner). Stewart is the easy choice as the primary playmaker for the better team (plus she's made the first basket twice), but I'm leaning toward Morrow.
As a rookie on a poor team, I can see her feeling the need to make that first play a little more.
Picks: Breanna Stewart (+320)/Aneesah Morrow (+550)
Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics
Kelsey Mitchell is the obvious choice from the Fever for this game. She has attempted the first shot in half of Indiana's games this season and made the first basket in three. It's not impossible to make the first basket without attempting the first shot, but I like her chances since she does.
The only problem with taking Mitchell is that a case could just as well be made for Shakira Austin of the Mystics. She has taken the first shot in three games this season and made the first basket in three. But I'd lean towards Mitchell because the Fever are a more aggressive offensive team. I can see them attacking the basket and being more successful than Washington.
Picks: Kelsey Mitchell (+550)/Shakira Austin (+390)
Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces
Easy call, right? Seattle is redefining what it means to struggle on the offensive end these days, while Las Vegas is one of the league’s best teams. You have to go with one of the Aces. They've taken the first shot in six games and made the first basket in six games. But Seattle has attempted the first shot in nine out of 12 games this season, making the first basket in six.
No matter who you pick, you’re betting on a longshot. There are just too many factors we can't account for in regard to the first basket of a game. When I target this prop, I look for odds that provide enough value when it hits. That is why I'm going with Stefanie Dolson or Flau’jae Johnson. If you want just one pick, go with Dolson. She scored the first basket in two of her last four games.
Picks: Flau'jae Johnson (+700)/Stefanie Dolson (+900)
