WNBA First Basket Scorer Picks: Thursday (5/22)
There are two games in the WNBA this evening, and we will be breaking down a first-basket scorer selection for each contest on this slate.
Without any further delay, let's dive into our favorite WNBA first-basket picks for Tuesday, May 22nd. Check out our WNBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet for more WNBA props.
Thursday’s Best WNBA First Basket Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Indiana Fever at Atlanta Dream
We kick things off with a rematch of what was a fantastic matchup on Monday between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream. The roles are reversed tonight, with Atlanta hosting after their narrow one-point victory earlier in the week.
Including the preseason, the Dream and Fever have faced off twice already this season. Kelsey Mitchell scored the first two points in the previous contest, while Brittney Griner knocked down a three-pointer for the first score on May 10th.
For this contest, we have our sights set on Griner once again, who has scored the first points in two out of the previous four games for Atlanta. The Dream center was marvelous on Monday, lighting the Fever up for 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Griner is shooting 51.7% from inside the perimeter to start the season, and is averaging 14.5 attempts each contest. The veteran center is averaging six points in the first quarter over the first two regular-season contests and hitting 60% of attempts.
Atlanta went to Griner early and often in their previous matchup, and that should continue tonight as well. The newly acquired All-Star provides a major size advantage in the paint and can also sink the odd bucket from beyond the arc.
Pick: Brittney Griner (+390)
New York Liberty at Chicago Sky
Jonquel Jones is averaging five points per game in the first quarter over the two previous contests for the New York Liberty. The 2024 WNBA Finals MVP scored the first basket in the preseason contest against the Connecticut Sun.
Jones recorded a 27% usage rate for the Liberty in their first game and a 23.1% usage rate in the first quarter, while only playing six minutes. The Chicago Sky conceded 48 points in the paint in their opening contest. Jones connected on 4-of-7 attempts from less than five feet from the basket in New York's first game.
Chicago is extremely vulnerable in the paint. However, Jones is also capable of knocking down a mid-range jumper. Last season, the veteran forward shot 40.8% from between 8-16 feet from the basket. There is certainly no shortage of options to score the first basket in this contest. Yet, we feel Jones has the best opportunity to be the first player on the board.
Pick: Jonquel Jones (+480)
Enjoy the games today and good luck with your picks.