We are getting close to the end of the WNBA regular season. Tonight, we edge closer to that reality with two games on the schedule: Atlanta versus New York Liberty and Dallas versus Phoenix. Now, let's talk about who will score the first basket in each game. Here are my top WNBA first basket scorers for the night:
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Monday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Follow along and make sure to check out our WNBA First Basket Prop Bet Cheat Sheet for help identifying all of today's best prop bets.
Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
If you want to go with someone from the Liberty, you can really make a solid case for Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu or Jonquel Jones. Stewart and Ionescu have each taken the first shot in five games, while Jones has done so in four. But while Stewart and Ionescu have scored the first basket in four games, Jones has done so in five. Of the first baskets allowed by the Dream, they are split almost evenly among guards, forwards and centers. But centers have made a slightly higher percentage, which is why I'm picking Jones.
As for the Dream, it's a little easier to make a decision. Rhyne Howard is responsible for almost half of Atlanta's first shots (nine), and she has scored the first basket six times. No one else has attempted the first shot more than three times or made the first basket more than three times.
It’s been about a month since Howard last scored the first basket of a game, and over a month since Jones last did. Since Atlanta has the second-highest offensive and defensive ratings since the break, go with Howard over Jones.
Picks: Jonquel Jones (+500)/Rhyne Howard (+700)
Dallas Wings vs. Phoenix Mercury
Paige Bueckers is easily the best choice from the Wings. Of the 17 times someone from the Wings attempted the first shot, she is responsible for eight. With the first basket in Dallas's return after the break last week, she has scored the first basket seven times this season. Of the games in which the Mercury allowed the other team the first basket, almost half were by guards.
Both Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas attempted the first shot in five games this season and made the first basket in five (Thomas) and two (Copper). Forwards have been more responsible for first baskets against Dallas, which is why I'd go with Thomas over Cooper.
With Dallas still needing to win to have a shot at moving up from the No. 8 seed in the playoffs, I'm picking Bueckers over Thomas.
Picks: Paige Bueckers (+500)/Alyssa Thomas (+700)
