WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Thursday (5/21)
There are three games across the WNBA this evening. Here are three options to consider for making the first basket in their contest on Thursday, May 21.
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Thursday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Toronto Tempo vs. Minnesota Lynx
Our selection in the first contest of the night falls under the umbrella of a long shot. 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. Natasha Howard is certainly not the first option for the Lynx. Yet, she is a more than viable option to make the first basket in this contest.
Natasha Howard is averaging just under 16 points to start the season. The forward for Minnesota is shooting a powerful 63% from the field. The forward for the Lynx is pulling down 7.5 rebounds on the season. Which absolutely provides the opportunity for a put-back if a shot is off target.
Once again, this contest is full of options to consider for the opening bucket. We feel Howard has had enough success early on over the first four games to gain our confidence. The +600 return only increases the excitement on Natasha Howard knocking down the first basket in this matchup against Toronto.
Pick: Natasha Howard (+600)
Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty
Breanna Stewart has assumed the role of 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 in the 2026 season. Stewart is leading the team in scoring with 23.0 points through four games. The veteran forward is being utilized in over 30% of the New York offense.
Stewart scored the first two points in two out of four contests for the Liberty. The UConn product is coming off a 23-point performance against the Fire. Given the Liberty have not played in a week, we could absolutely see the veteran forward want to hit the ground running against Golden State
Stewart is averaging 3.8 points in the first quarter, and owns a 50% success rate in regards to sinking the first basket. The forward for the Liberty is one of the most efficient threats from the field, and as previously stated is being looked upon early and often.
Pick: Breanna Stewart (+500)
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury
We close out the evening with another straight forward option to seriously mull over. Dearica Hamby is averaging 5.3 points in the first quarter - second only to Kelsey Plum (+1000) . Hamby is knocking down 64% off attempts taken in the first 10 minutes of game play.
As is the case with the other two options this evening, Hamby is fully capable of either receiving a quick look on the inside following the tip off or putting back an initial off target shot. The veteran is pulling down 7.3 boards on the season. Phoenix is not a team that is made up of much size in the front court, which should play in the favor of Hamby as well.
The Los Angeles Sparks have scored the first basket in three out of four games played. Hamby appears to be in a fantastic spot to sink the first basket tonight against the Mercury. Although the return could be somewhat more lucrative with other options on the Sparks, we feel Hamby is due for an opening bucket in this contest.
Pick: Dearica Hamby (+550)