WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Thursday (8/27)
There are two games across the WNBA this evening. We will be focusing on two well-known options that stand to be in great position to score the first bucket. Here are a couple of players to consider for making the first basket in their contest on Thursday, August 27.
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Thursday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorer Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty
The popular options for this contest will be Breanna Stewart (+500), Sabrina Ionescu (+650), and Gabby Williams (+600). While all three are tremendous candidates, we are going to dig a little deeper, and focus on a player that will more than likely go way under the radar for the first player to score a field-goal.. Jonquel Jones has increased her first-quarter strong through the last five games, and could turn a mismatch for a quick two or three-points
Jonquel Jones is scoring 5.6 points in the first quarter of the last five games, almost a two point increase from the season average. The veteran forward leads the Liberty with five first baskets this season. Jones is shooting a highly efficient 57% from the field, and 50% from beyond the arc through the first quarter of the last five games.
Pick: Jonquel Jones (+550)
Washington Mystics vs. Phoenix Mercury
Our next selection is as straight-forward as you can get. Not only do Phoenix struggle mightily against a strong front court, Shakira Austin is one of the best bigs in the league this season. Austin has been nothing short of dominate as of late, and Washington seems to try and get her going as quick as possible. Above all, Mercury simply may not have at an answer for Austin as early as the first possession.
Shakira Austin leads the league with 10 games of successfully hitting the first basket. Phoenix allows the center position to make the initial field goal in 32% of contests. Austin scores 4.6 points through the first 10 minutes on 50% shooting from the field. The center for Washington is always a strong candidate to be the first player to crack the scoring column. That becomes even more so when the opponent lacks size down low.
As for Phoenix, you always have to consider the scoring prowess, and elite attacking ability of Kahleah Copper (+750). The veteran guard is a lethal threat on the offensive end, and spares no time getting the scoring going for the Mercury. Should Phoenix win the top-off, you can expect Copper to be one of the first players to make an attempt to knock down the first field goal.
Pick: Shakira Austin (+350)