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 had some close calls last time out, and we can’t catch a break with missed layups. Here are the best WNBA first basket bets for Wednesday, August 19th.
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Wednesday's Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 7-5- (-6.75 units)
Toronto Tempo vs. Washington Mystics
We start in the northeast where the Washington Mystics host a flailing Toronto Tempo. That might be putting it kindly, as the Tempo has lost 11 straight games and has been by far the worst defensive unit during that timeline. Meanwhile, Washington has hit its groove, going 8-3 in its last 11 games with the second-best defense.
Based on teams alone, Washington is the easy favorite to secure the first points of the game. It also helps with what the matchup is in the circle.
Shakira Austin will likely face off against Isabelle Harrison, and I simply trust Austin more. The Mystics center has won 64% of tips this season, while Harrison only has 10 tips under her belt. Even if Toronto wins the tip, I highly doubt they capitalize.
The clear go-to bet is Austin. She's secured nine of the team's 17 total first baskets. That's over half. The last time these two faced off, Kiki Iriafen scored the first points, but Michaela Onyenwere took the first shot attempt before Austin had the second. The game before that, Onyenwere had the first shot attempt as well.
If you want to go with the chalk in Austin at +400 odds, I can't argue against that. In theory, there's a 50/50 chance of that happening, so you're getting good odds despite her being the favorite to secure the first point. But I'm feeling a bit risky tonight, so I’m going down the board to Onyenwere.
Pick: Michaela Onyenwere (+850 at Fanatics Sportsbook)
Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries
For a potential preview of the WNBA Finals, we have Minnesota heading West to face the Golden State Valkyries. The Lynx are slight favorites, with the total set at 164.5 points.
This could really be anyone's game when it comes to first points. The Lynx and Valkyries both own top-four offenses, while the Valkyries rank first defensively in their last 10 games. The Lynx have gone 9-1 in the same time frame.
On the tip, this should be Natasha Howard versus Kiah Stokes. I expect Stokes to win the opening tip. Surprisingly, Howard has won only 28% of her tips this season, going 2-14 on the road. This seems like a pretty clear opportunity for Golden State to get the first look at a bucket.
Kayla Thornton stands out today. The Valkyries forward actually leads the team in first-shot attempts. While her execution could be better, statistically, she is due for positive regression. If you want another option, I support Cecilia Zandalasini at her odds as well.
Pick: Kayla Thornton (+900 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
