There is a sense of satisfaction you get anytime you win a bet; the payout certainly makes that true. But there is something about nailing WNBA first basket scorers that makes them a little different. Could it be the challenge? Factoring in all the variables? Or maybe the payout?
In my humble opinion, the answer to all three queries is "yes." On that note, let's discuss my top WNBA first basket picks for today's games.
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Saturday’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.
New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun
For a brief moment, I considered going with Brittney Griner since the center is in a great position for rebounds and putbacks. But she has made the first basket just three times this season. Yes, two of them came within the last eight games. But the Sun have only made the first basket in 15 out of 32 games.
New York, on the other hand, has scored first in 20 out of 35 games, including nine of the last 11. Of those nine, Sabrina Ionescu was responsible for four and Jonquel Jones made three. Jones made the first basket in New York's last game, but Ionescu has the hot hand, having made the first basket in four of the last eight.
Picks: Sabrinia Ionescu (+300)/Jonquel Jones (+270)
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Washington Mystics
The top candidates for each team are clear and obvious for this game: Shakira Austin has made the first basket in nine games this season, and Nneka Ogwumike has done so in seven, easily the best marks for their respective squads.
However, between the two, Washington has been the more successful team, having made the first basket in 20 games to just 15 for Los Angeles. Neither has been great in recent games, but Washington has made it in three of their last seven (all by Austin). Los Angeles has not made the first basket in its last five games and just once in the last eight.
While Ogwumike is the most likely candidate from the Sparks, her last first basket was on July 19th versus Dallas. Take Austin.
Picks: Shakira Austin (+280)/Nneka Ogwumike (+550)
Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces
Minnesota making the first basket has not been worth considering all season for a very simple reason: They don't score first often. In 35 games, the Lynx have made the first basket just 10 times, and only twice in their last eight.
Las Vegas, on the other hand, has made the first basket in 22 out of 35 games and in eight of the last 10. Of those eight, Jackie Young made three (including the last game), Chelsea Gray made three and A’ja Wilson made one. However, all three have made five this season, making each a viable option.
Wilson is always a threat to score and should be in this discussion for every game. But Young and Gray have had more recent success. If you want to go with just one player, I recommend Young, but for this game, the better bet would be to split your stake between Young and Gray.
Picks: A'ja Wilson (+350)/Jackie Young (+700)/Chelsea Gray (+1500)
