There are three WNBA games this evening. We will focus on a solid mix of well-known and under-the-radar options. 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)
Los Angeles Sparks @ Toronto Tempo
Marina Mabrey may be an obvious option to score the first basket with Brittney Sykes out for the Tempo. Having said that, we aren't going to argue with such a high return on investment (ROI). Mabrey is not only the main offensive option for the Toronto Tempo, but she will also most likely have the ball in her hands immediately.
Mabrey has scored the initial basket for the Tempo in three games, including two out of the last five games. Mabrey is predominantly going to receive the ball at the top of the three-point perimeter. This should create an opportunity for her to either drive to the basket or pull up for a mid-range jumper.
Pick: Marina Mabrey (+700)
Dallas Wings @ Las Vegas Aces
With the attention almost immediately focused on A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young makes for a fantastic alternative option to score the first basket.
The veteran guard is the secondary scoring option for Las Vegas. Having said that, Young has elite downhill acceleration, a solid shooting prowess and the ability to slash through the defense of opponents. Young is averaging 16.8 points and has been an early option for the Aces to achieve a quick score.
The Aces guard is averaging 4.6 points in the first quarter on 3.9 attempts per game. Young is absolutely a first-strike option who continues to be looked upon early and often due to high efficiency from both below and above the three-point line. Las Vegas tends to push the ball when winning the tip. Young could be a primary target tonight if the Aces can win the initial tip.
Pick: Jackie Young (+700)
New York Liberty @ Seattle Storm
This is a very surprising ROI and easily the lowest among our selections for this evening. Dominique Malonga is the heavy favorite to score the first basket at +180 odds, and makes for a highly logical option. However, our thinking is that Seattle could very well miss their opening attempt, which could turn into a transition basket down the court for Jonquel Jones.
If the transition basket does not come to fruition due to a fast recovery by Seattle, Jones still benefits from interior half-court plays. Jones is connecting on less than 49% of her shots from the field this season, and is a highly efficient candidate to score the first basket in this contest.
Pick: Jonquel Jones (+230)
New York Liberty @ Seattle Storm
If you want to take a chance on a longshot, Natisha Hiedeman looks like a formidable option to score the initial basket this evening. She is averaging just fewer than 19 points per game through the last five contests and leads the Storm in field-goal attempts with 13.6 per game over that span.
Hiedeman is averaging 3.9 points in the first quarter this season. That number has increased to five points over the last five games. The Storm guard is shooting an outstanding 49.3% from the field and 45.9% from beyond the arc through the previous five contests.
Pick: Natisha Hiedeman (+480)
