WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Sunday, August 9, 2026
Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of WNBA slate on 8/9.
Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Sunday, August 9, 2026—are live with the Mystics' Shakira Austin projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections draw on key first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily WNBA player projections.
Austin, Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper lead Sunday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also feature tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities powered by our upgraded WNBA player props model.
WNBA first basket predictions tonight (August 9, 2026)
- Shakira Austin (Mystics): 15.6% probability
- Kelsey Plum (Mercury): 14.3% probability
- Kahleah Copper (Mercury): 13.4% probability
- Kiki Iriafen (Mystics): 13.1% probability
- Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks): 12.7% probability
- Paige Bueckers (Wings): 12.5% probability
- Veronica Burton (Valkyries): 12.4% probability
- Dearica Hamby (Sparks): 12.3% probability
- Olivia Miles (Lynx): 11.9% probability
- Tiffany Hayes (Valkyries): 11.9% probability
- Arike Ogunbowale (Wings): 11.7% probability
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx): 11.7% probability
- Kayla Thornton (Valkyries): 10.6% probability
- Jessica Shepard (Wings): 10.3% probability
- Kayla McBride (Lynx): 9.5% probability
- Alyssa Thomas (Mercury): 9.5% probability
- Rae Burrell (Sparks): 9.4% probability
- Alanna Smith (Wings): 9.3% probability
- Courtney Williams (Lynx): 9.0% probability
- Erica Wheeler (Sparks): 8.6% probability
- Sonia Citron (Mystics): 8.6% probability
- Kaila Charles (Valkyries): 8.2% probability
- DeWanna Bonner (Mercury): 8.0% probability
- Natasha Howard (Lynx): 7.9% probability
- Cotie McMahon (Mystics): 7.1% probability
- Ariel Atkins (Sparks): 7.0% probability
- Kiah Stokes (Valkyries): 6.9% probability
- Aziaha James (Wings): 6.3% probability
- Michaela Onyenwere (Mystics): 5.7% probability
- Noemie Brochant (Mercury): 4.8% probability
WNBA first basket picks today (August 9, 2026)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Wings): 3.5% edge at +1120
- Alanna Smith (Wings): 3.4% edge at +1600
- Kayla McBride (Lynx): 2.4% edge at +1300
- Veronica Burton (Valkyries): 1.9% edge at +850
- Courtney Williams (Lynx): 1.3% edge at +1200
- Erica Wheeler (Sparks): 0.9% edge at +1200
- Ariel Atkins (Sparks): 0.8% edge at +1500
- Rae Burrell (Sparks): 0.7% edge at +1060
- Kiah Stokes (Valkyries): 0.1% edge at +1360
Edges represent the difference between model probability and implied odds.
For more insights on prop markets and value plays across the league, explore our full list of WNBA prop bets for 8/9.
Conclusion: Betting on today's WNBA first basket
For Sunday, August 9, 2026, Shakira Austin, Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper lead our first basket projections, while Arike Ogunbowale shapes as the strongest value play at +1120. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ WNBA first basket model.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
