There are two games across the WNBA this evening. We will be focusing on a pair of well known options. Here are a few players to consider for making the first basket in their contest on Thursday, July 16.
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Thursday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorer Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Portland Fire at Washington Mystics
Shakira Austin leads the league with seven first baskets scored through the 2026 campaign. Oddsmakers once again have Austin as a heavy favorite to score the opening bucket, and we couldn't agree more. Washington has been looking to incorporate Austin into the offense immediately, and tonight should be no different.
The forward for the Mystics is averaging 4.0 points over the previous five games, while attempting 3.4 shots. Portland does not have anywhere near the side of Washington. We expect the Mystics to feed the post early and often. Austin is knocking down 54.5% of first quarter attempts this season.
There are two players to explore in particular for this matchup. Kiki Iriafen (+500) is also a top candidate to score first. Iriafen leads the Mystics in first quarter field goal efficacy, knocking down 56% of attempted field goals in the first 10 minutes. We feel Austin or Iroafen make for very solid straight forward plays to score the initial basket.
Pick: Shakira Austin (+370) & Kiki Iriafen (+500)
NY Liberty at Dallas Wings
In a contest filled with logical options, we will be looking to sharp-shooting guard, Jennifer Scone…we kid. Sabrina Ionescu makes for a highly intriguing selection to sink the first basket given the ROI. At +700, this is exactly the type of low-risk/high-reward situation we like to pounce on. While most will be favoring the players in the front court for the Wings and Liberty, we are going to pivot in the direction of someone who can either hit the open three or get to the rim and attack.
Ionescu is a long shot to make the first basket. The Liberty guard has scored the first basket on only one game this season. Ionescu is averaging 2.3 points in the first quarter this season, yet is taking over three attempts through the first 10 minutes. The guard for the Liberty is seemingly starting to find her footing after missing almost the first month. Ionescu's return should probably be a bit higher considering the success rate. Yet, the veteran guard has to be one of the top candidates to hit the first bucket tonight.
Pick: Sabrina Ionescu (+700)
