There are two WNBA games this evening. The Dallas Wings and New York Liberty will have their sites sets on getting back in the win column after a pair of tough losses. Here are our top WNBA first basket scorers for Thursday, May 14th.
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Thursday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Minnesota Lynx at Dallas Wings
Our selection in the first contest of the night falls under the umbrella of a longshot. Having said that, the Minnesota Lynx are full of willing shooters. A put back on a miss on the opening attempt from Minnesota is well within the realm of possibility. Nia Coffey is certainly not the first option for the Wings. Yet, she is more than capable of making the first basket in this contest.
Coffey is averaging eight points on the season. Despite the low scoring production, Coffey has scored either the first or second basket in the initial two games for the Lynx. She is shooting 54.5% from the field and 57.1% on seven attempts from beyond the arc.
Coffey scored five points in the previous contest for Minnesota against the Mercury. The Lynx forward is pulling down 6.5 rebounds per game on the season. This absolutely provides the opportunity for a put-back if a shot is off target.
Once again, this contest offers plenty of options for the opening bucket. We feel Coffey has had enough success early on in games to gain our confidence. The +950 return only increases the excitement of Coffey knocking down the first basket in this matchup against Dallas.
Pick: Nia Coffey (+950)
New York at Portland Fire
Breanna Stewart has assumed the role of the first scoring option for the Liberty. Sabrina Ionescu continues to miss time due to a left foot injury and has yet to make an appearance this season. Stewart leads the team in scoring with 23.3 points per game. The veteran forward is being utilized in 30.8% of the New York offense.
Stewart scored the first two points in two out of three contests for the Liberty. New York failed to beat Portland on Wednesday. We expect Stewart to want to hit the ground running in the second matchup against the Fire.
Stewart is averaging 4.3 points in the first quarter and owns a 75% success rate in sinking the first basket. The forward for the Liberty is one of the most efficient threats from the field and is being looked upon early and often.
Pick: Breanna Stewart (+350)
