There are three games across the WNBA this evening. We will focus on some well-known options and forgo some of the more profitable ones. We usually prefer to strategize away from the lowest odds on the first basket given the tremendous profits. However, teams may look to start out on comfortable footing and feed their biggest stars early. Here are a few WNBA first basket scorers to consider today.
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Thursday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Follow along and make sure to check out our WNBA First Basket Prop Bet Cheat Sheet for help identifying all of today's best prop bets.
Minnesota Lynx @ Toronto Tempo
Despite the Tempo being heavy underdogs going into this contest, oddsmakers once again have Marina Mabrey as the favorite to score the opening bucket, and we can't argue with that notion. Mabrey is the guiding force for Toronto's offense and tonight should be no different. Expect the Tempo to incorporate the sharp-shooting guard into the offense early and often.
The Tempo guard is averaging 5.4 first-quarter points on the season on an average of 3.3 shots. Minnesota will want to run Mabrey off the three-point line almost immediately, which is easier said than done. If the crafty veteran is expecting the Lynx to apply pressure above the perimeter, she could simply slip to the basket for a quick two points.
Mabrey ranks tied for third across the WNBA with five first baskets. She has opened the scoring in 20% of the games this season. Mabrey has dropped in the first shot for Toronto in four home games in 2026.
Pick: Marina Mabrey (+500)
Connecticut Sun @ Chicago Sky
Brittney Griner will not be available for this contest, which leaves a gaping hole in the Connecticut frontcourt. There's really very little reason not to get Kamilla Cardoso going into the offense initially and fully exploit the advantage. Cardoso's size and strength are sure to give the Sun all kinds of trouble in this contest. That very well could begin from the opening tip.
The Sky center has scored the first basket on five occasions. Cardoso wins over 63% of tip-offs when playing at home. We can easily envision a scenario where the Sky claim the first possession, and get the South Carolina standout the first look.
Pick: Kamilla Cardoso (+390)
NY Liberty @ Las Vegas Aces
In a contest filled with logical options, we will be looking to the odds-on favorites to sink the first basket tonight. A'ja Wilson has scored the opening basket in five games for the Aces. She leads the league with 7.5 first-quarter points per game on an average of 5.5 attempts. The four-time MVP has to be one of the top candidates to hit the first bucket tonight.
Wilson is averaging eight points over the first quarter through the last five games. The veteran forward is shooting 61.3% from the field over that span. Wilson is averaging 8.1 points through the first 10 minutes of gameplay at home this season. The Aces forward last scored the first basket on July 3rd and is absolutely due to score the first basket in the next few games.
On the New York side of things, Breanna Stewart also makes for a fantastic option to connect on the first field goal in this contest. She has been on a scoring tear as of late, and is getting off to an aggressive start, averaging 6.4 points through the first quarter in the last five games. The Liberty forward is averaging over five attempts in the first quarter.
The Liberty win 61% of tip-offs when playing on the road, and have taken the first attempt in 15 games played this season. New York will look to get on the board immediately, and Stewart continues to be the most assertive scoring forward in the league.
There is no shortage of players to entertain regarding scoring the first bucket in this contest. However, Wilson and Stewart are without a doubt at the very top of the list.
Picks: A'ja Wilson (+420)/Breanna Stewart (+460)
