There are four WNBA Commissioner's Cup games this evening. We will focus on some very well-known players who may provide the best chance of cashing. Here are a few options to consider for today’s WNBA first basket scorers.
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Thursday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever
Kelsey Mitchell (4.7) and Caitlin Clark (5.4) lead the Indiana Fever in first-quarter scoring. Either of the two phenomenal scoring guards is capable of sinking the first basket. However, in this contest, Mitchell may be best positioned to score the first field goal.
The Indiana Fever face a tough matchup at home against a physical, but struggling Chicago team. The Sky will no doubt be blitzing Clark right from the tip-off, which could create a quick score for Mitchell. Indiana may also want to trigger an immediate pin-down set for Mitchell, where she can attack the rim. The Fefer guard has scored the first basket in three contests this season.
Pick: Kelsey Mitchell (+650)
New York Liberty at Atlanta Dream
Breanna Stewart may be an obvious option to score the first basket in this contest. Having said that, we aren't going to argue with such a high return on investment.
Stewart is not only the main offensive option for the Liberty, but she also leads the team with five first baskets. Stewart is predominantly going to receive the ball along the high-right elbow. This should create an opportunity for her to either drive to the basket or pull up for a mid-range jumper.
Stewart scored the first basket in the last contest for the Liberty on Monday, and we like her chances to do so once again tonight. Three out of the five games in which Stewart drained the first shot for New York were when the team was on the road.
As for Atlanta, Allisha Gray makes for a fantastic option to score the first basket. The veteran guard leads the team in scoring and has made the opening basket in three contests this season.
Pick: Breanna Stewart (+370)
Phoenix Mercury at Dallas Wings
The veteran guard is a focal point of the Phoenix offense due to elite downhill acceleration and the ability to slash through opponents’ defenses. Kahleah Copper has a usage rate of over 30% and has been an early option for the Mercury when in motion. Dallas boasts top-tier size and length in the front court, which could force Phoenix to stay outside the paint.
Copper has drained the initial basket in three contests this season. She is averaging 4.5 points in the first quarter, while attempting just fewer than four attempts. Copper is a first-strike option that continues to be considered early and often.
Pick: Kahleah Copper (+490)
Las Vegas Aces at Portland Fire
The final selection is as straightforward as you can get. However, the success rate is extremely hard to ignore, and the Portland Fire aren't very flush with size in the front court.
It's difficult enough to stop the four-time MVP from scoring at will with size down low. The task becomes almost impossible when the opposition lacks a formidable rim defense. A'ja Wilson leads the league in terms of first-quarter scoring, averaging 7.7 points on 51.6% shooting from the field. The South Carolina alum is attempting just below six shots per game in the first 10 minutes.
Wilson scored the first basket for the Aces this past Saturday against the Valkyries. She initiated the scoring in two out of the last three contests and in five games in total on the season.
The Aces do not wait to get the ball into the hands of their primary offensive option. Opponents are forced to react immediately to either a face-up isolation set or a situation where Wilson can show her elite mid-range prowess.
Pick: A'ja Wilson (+360)
