We are officially in full swing of the WNBA season with the All-Star break on the horizon. 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, with Jonquel Jones getting two chances at the rim last week before inevitably missing, but that's OK. It's a good time to bounce back. Here are the best WNBA first basket picks for Wednesday, July 8th.
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Wednesday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 6-30 (+8.15 units)
Golden State Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo
Starting with our neighbors to the north, the Toronto Tempo hosts the Golden State Valkyries as Golden State attempts to join the Aces and Lynx at the top of the WNBA standings.
Toronto has been surprisingly bad in opening games this season. Nyara Sabally is expected to take the tip for them tonight. Sabally has only won three of her 13 tips, so I imagine Kiah Stokes can handle business for the Valkyries and gain them an opening possession. Golden State is simply the better team here, so even if the Tempo opens up the game, I trust the Valkyries to stop them.
Given Golden State likely scores first, we have some options, starting with Gabby Williams. She's the leading scorer for the Valkyries and is tied for the team lead in first baskets with three on the year. She can score from all three levels and is obviously a high-usage option.
My next choice would be Kayla Thornton, who leads the team in first-shot attempts and gets good looks at the first basket, but I would've expected a bigger difference in value if we were moving off Williams. If you can find Thornton at +750 odds or longer, I'd go there simply for the value, but for now I'm sticking with Williams. Even as the favorite to score the first points of the game, you're still getting good odds.
Pick: Gabby Williams (+523 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun
Elsewhere, the Minnesota Lynx take on the Connecticut Sun out east. Despite these two teams having opposite records, the Sun have picked it up a bit recently, with the fourth-best defense over their last 10 games, one spot behind the powerhouse Minnesota Lynx. Change it to the last seven games, and the Sun actually have a better offense and defense. Who woulda thought.
Obviously, if you've read any of my previous articles, you know my love for Brittney Griner. With her 6-foot-9 frame, it's easy for her not only to win the tip here but also to be a go-to for the first basket. Still, she's only scored one first basket all year. While she's been in and out of the lineup, I'd still like to see more productivity from her before buying at her +300-ish price.
The best value pick is Leila Lacan. She leads the team in first-shot attempts and first buckets, with three apiece, after missing basically the first month of the season. Lacan takes the most three-point attempts among anyone else on the team, and no team allows more looks from deep than Minnesota. She can still get to the rim if needed, but I feel strongly that the opportunity will be there, so the pricing is well worth it.
Pick: Leila Lacan (+700 at BetMGM)
