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 missed some close calls last time out and dipped back into the red on the year, but there is no time like the present to bounce back. Here are the best WNBA first basket picks for Wednesday, August 12th.
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Wednesday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-3 | Season: 7-46 (-2.75 units)
Toronto Tempo vs. Dallas Wings
We start off in the Lone Star State, where the Dallas Wings host the Toronto Tempo. It's been a bit of a tough go for Dallas, going 1-5 over their last six games. But the Tempo haven't been much better themselves, losing nine straight and 13 of their last 14.
We don't care about the whole game here, just the first basket, and that favors Dallas. For the opening tip-off, Awak Kuier should be going up against Nyara Sabally, and the Wings center should have the upper hand. Not only has Kuier already won once this year, but Sabally has won just six of her 18 tips all year, and it's even worse on the road. Pair that with Dallas' number one-ranked home defense and Toronto's offense ranking 14th in their last 10 games, and you see why I’m on a Wing to secure the first basket.
There are some good options here, but I'm going to keep it simple. Since June, no team has allowed more attempts from deep than the Tempo. Toronto lets up nearly 30 attempts from beyond the arc, and with Paige Bueckers shooting nearly 40%, I'll roll those dice; she can cash one from deep early. Not only that, but Bueckers leads the team in first-shot attempts, too, with six. If there's a type of first-basket market, feel free to sprinkle in a three-pointer if you really want to get risky. Otherwise, Bueckers' first-basket odds aren't terrible.
Pick: Paige Bueckers (+500 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
Chicago Sky vs. Golden State Valkyries
Next up, we have the Chicago Sky heading out West to take on the Golden State Valkyries. This is an interesting matchup as first baskets go. Kamilla Cardoso will take the tip for Chicago, and the 25-year-old has a 62% tip win rate. Usually, it would be against Kiah Stokes, but with Stokes out, it's anyone’s guess who will take the jump. My money is on Laeticia Amihere, but even with her 6-foot-4 frame, she's no match for Cardoso.
Still, this is a Golden State defense that is deadly and has led the way in defensive rating all season. The Sky offense isn't exactly elite, and even with a 64% first-shot rate, they only secure the first basket just over half the time. A Valkyrie player will make the first bucket, and I'm going with Cecilia Zandalasini. The Chicago Sky defense lines up well for her to get to the hoop, and she leads the team with nearly 44% of their first buckets this year. Considering she's third on the odds list, I'm happy with the little bit of value.
Pick: Cecilia Zandalasini (+543 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
