As is often the case when one night is busy, like yesterday's four-game WNBA schedule, the following day is a lot lighter. Hence, only two WNBA games are on the docket today. But that's two chances to bet on one of my favorite markets - WNBA first basket scorers.
Let's get right to it. Here are my best 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.
Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty
If I am going to pick a Chicago player, I have to go with Kamilla Cardoso. She has made more first baskets on the Sky roster than anyone else (six). Her most recent was just a few games ago against the Liberty. With so many players out with injuries lately, she's become a jack-of-all-trades player for the Sky.
However, if I'm picking just one player, it would be someone from New York. Chicago has made the first basket in 19 out of 39 games and just once in the last five. New York, however, has scored first t in 24 out of 39 games and in four of the last five. Of those five, Jonquel Jones made two and leads the team with six first baskets this season.
However, forwards have made the first basket against Chicago more than other positions. For that reason, consider Leonie Fiebich. Jonquel Jones, however, has made the first basket against Chicago in three of the last five meetings. She’s the safest bet.
Picks: Kamilla Cardoso (+430)/Jonquel Jones (+500)/Leonie Fiebich (+950)
Toronto Tempo vs. Phoenix Mercury
Khaleah Copper is your best choice if you want someone from Phoenix. She has made the second-most first baskets on the team with three, including the last game versus New York. She is on the injury report but is considered probable to play. However, that was the only time in the last five games that the Mercury scored first.
Toronto, on the other hand, has made the first basket in 21 out of 39 games and in four of their last five, including last night's game in Vegas, when Kia Nurse made the first basket.
Marina Mabrey leads Toronto with six first baskets, followed by Laura Juskaite, which is why I have her listed as an option. However, guards and centers have had more luck making first baskets against Phoenix. Juskaite is a forward and Nurse is a guard.
With Mabrey and Julie Allemand out, Nurse is the next best choice. With Toronto playing in the second game of a back-to-back, I'd consider splitting my stake and putting something on Copper and Nurse. But if you prefer to stick to one player, go with Nurse.
Picks: Kahleah Copper (+600)/Laura Juskaite (+650)/Kia Nurse (+900)
