WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Thursday (7/2)
There are three games across the WNBA this evening. We will be focusing on a solid mix of well known, as well as under the radar options. Here are a few players to consider for making the first basket in their contest on Thursday, July 2.
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Thursday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics
Shakira Austin seems to be the highest favored option going into this contest against the Dream due to previous two matchups against Atlanta. These contests were extremely physical from start to finish, which is why we are also targeting Shakira Austin to put the first basket in the hoop. Austin may not be the main offensive option for Washington, yet the young center is a favorable choice to have the ball immediately in her hands.
Austin scored the initial basket for the Mystics in five games in 2026. The center for Washington averages 2.1 points through the first three minutes in the first quarter. Austin is predominately going to receive the ball for a quick basket down low after winning the tip off.
Pick: Shakira Austin (+500)
Dallas Wings vs. Connecticut Sun
With the attention almost immediately focusing on Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale makes for a fantastic alternative option to score the first basket. The veteran guard is the secondary scoring option for Dallas. Having said that, Ogunbowale has been a very lucrative selection to score the first basket.
The guard for the Wings owns a 26.9% usage rate over the first quarter, and has scored the first basket in two games on the season, as well as six times in total for the Wings. We expect the Sun to win the opening tip, yet miss their initial attempts at the rim. This would more than likely trigger a look up court to Ogunbowale, who will either have the option to drive to the basket or pull up from the outside.
If the Wings elect to slowly bring the ball up the court, the veteran guard could get a look off the pick and roll or be given a chance to break their defender down in isolation. The Wings are full of options to score the first basket against a gracious Connecticut defense. We feel Ogunbowale is in the best spot given the success and usage rates, along with the multiple way she is utilized in the offense.
Pick: Arike Ogunbowale (+1300)
Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury
Our last selection puts emphasis on riding the hot hand. Hiedeman is averaging just under 18.2 points through the last five games, and leads the Storm in field-goals attempted with 12.8 over that span.
Hiedeman is averaging 3.8 points in the first quarter this season. That number has increased to 4.3 over the last five games. The guard for Seattle is shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc through the previous five contests. Hiedeman has taken the reigns as one of the top scoring options for the Storm, and is easily one of the best options to hit the first bucket.
Pick: Natisha Hiedeman (+1000)