WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Wednesday (7/29)
Now that we are past the WNBA All-Star Game, the second half of the season is underway. WNBA first basket scorers are among the best ways to get in on the action, since you don't have to sweat the entire game.
Of course, these are high-variance bets with long odds similar to first touchdown scorer bets in football, but that is why the odds allow for a nice payout when you get one right. With a large sample size, the risk is rewarded. Remember to shop around as odds vary widely across sportsbooks. Remember, these bets are for the first point scorer, so free throws also count.
We've gone a bit cold over the last couple of weeks, but we're still prime for recovery. It's a good time to bounce back. Here are the best first basket bets for Wednesday, July 29th.
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Wednesday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 1-2 | Season: 7-38 (+1.65 units)
Atlanta Dream vs. Dallas Wings
For a straightforward two-game slate, we start in Dallas as the Wings host the Atlanta Dream. This should be a great matchup between two contenders, with Dallas as one-possession favorites and the total around 180 points.
The tip should be between Angel Reese and Awak Kuier. It really does seem like this will be a 50/50 offering as both jumpers have had their ups and downs and neither has faced off against one another in their careers. When that's the case, you should go down the board to find a little bit of value.
More recently, Atlanta hasn't exactly played the best defense, allowing the highest three-point shooting rate to opponents (40%). Combine that with opponents scoring the third-most threes against the Dream over their last 10 games, and there's a clear path to a first basket for a Dallas player. No player on the Wings takes more three-point attempts than Arike Ogunbowale. She's accounted for the second-most first shot attempts on Dallas, and her odds are enticing.
Pick: Arike Ogunbowale (+1200 at BetRivers)
Golden State Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury
Next on the docket, we have the Phoenix Mercury hosting the Valkyries with Golden State as a 5.5-point favorite. With the total set at 155.5 points, this game might be a little less exciting but still equally easy to bet on.
The Valkyries should send Kiah Stokes to the circle while the Mercury will contest with Natasha Mack. Neither has been solid on the tip, with both under 44% in the block, but Mack has been especially subpar. I know they're the away team, but the better offense of late has been Golden State. Cecilia Zandalasini has led the team with five different first baskets, but Kayla Thornton is the option here. She leads the team in first-shot attempts and can sling it from deep or score inside. There are plenty of options to choose from here, though, so I'd wager just half a unit.
Pick: Kayla Thornton (+690 at DraftKings Sportsbook)