Sep 18, 2026
Best WNBA bets today: Friday's picks include Fever vs. Tempo play [9/18/2026]
Read Article WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Friday, September 18, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Add Dimers on Google 
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Experience Officer
Get first basket predictions today driven by expert analysis of WNBA slate on 9/18.
Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, September 18, 2026—are live with the Valkyries' Tiffany Hayes projected as the most likely player to score first.
Dimers’ first basket projections are based on detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily WNBA player projections.
Hayes, Kelsey Mitchell and Nyara Sabally lead Friday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also highlight tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
WNBA first basket predictions tonight (September 18, 2026)
- Tiffany Hayes (Valkyries): 16.6% probability
- Kelsey Mitchell (Fever): 14.9% probability
- Nyara Sabally (Tempo): 13.7% probability
- Megan DiLeo (Fire): 12.5% probability
- Breanna Stewart (Liberty): 12.4% probability
- Olivia Miles (Lynx): 12.2% probability
- Jonquel Jones (Liberty): 12.2% probability
- Caitlin Clark (Fever): 12.1% probability
- Carla Leite (Fire): 11.9% probability
- Cecilia Zandalasini (Valkyries): 11.9% probability
- Kiki Rice (Tempo): 11.4% probability
- Emily Engstler (Fire): 11.4% probability
- Aliyah Boston (Fever): 11.1% probability
- Veronica Burton (Valkyries): 10.9% probability
- Isabelle Harrison (Tempo): 10.5% probability
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx): 10.4% probability
- Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty): 10.0% probability
- Laura Juskaite (Tempo): 9.8% probability
- Natasha Howard (Lynx): 9.4% probability
- Kayla McBride (Lynx): 9.1% probability
- Courtney Williams (Lynx): 8.9% probability
- Bridget Carleton (Fire): 8.7% probability
- Leonie Fiebich (Liberty): 7.7% probability
- Pauline Astier (Liberty): 7.7% probability
- Makayla Timpson (Fever): 7.2% probability
- Kayla Thornton (Valkyries): 6.0% probability
- Nyadiew Puoch (Fire): 5.5% probability
- Lexie Hull (Fever): 4.8% probability
- Kiah Stokes (Valkyries): 4.6% probability
- Julie Allemand (Tempo): 4.6% probability
WNBA first basket picks today (September 18, 2026)
- Emily Engstler (Fire): 2.5% edge at +1020
- Kiki Rice (Tempo): 1.4% edge at +900
- Courtney Williams (Lynx): 1.2% edge at +1200
- Olivia Miles (Lynx): 1.1% edge at +800
- Kelsey Mitchell (Fever): 0.6% edge at +600
- Pauline Astier (Liberty): 0.2% edge at +1240
- Carla Leite (Fire): 0.1% edge at +750
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 9/18.
Conclusion: Betting on today's WNBA first basket
For Friday, September 18, 2026, Tiffany Hayes, Kelsey Mitchell and Nyara Sabally lead our first basket projections, while Emily Engstler shapes as the strongest value play at +1020. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ WNBA first basket model.
For guidance on safer wagering habits, explore our Responsible Gambling resources.
Every Bet, Every Game, Every Day Every plan unlocks every model, tool and insight, only the billing term changes.
MOST FLEXIBLE
Monthly billed monthly
$29.99
Month to month Pay as you go RECOMMENDED
6 Months one payment
$119.99 $149.99
6 months $20 per month Save $30.00 · 20% LIMITED TIME OFFER BEST VALUE
Annual first year
$169.99 $199.99
12 months $14.17 per month Save $30.00 · 15% LIMITED TIME OFFER Every plan includes
Full site access
iOS & Android app
AI bet assistant
Unlimited picks & predictions
Unlimited best bets & props
Unlimited player projections
Private Discord community
Cancel or pause anytime
Damien Souness is Chief Experience Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, helping lead sports media brands such as Dimers. He specializes in creating trustworthy and data-driven content for sports fans, with experience working for globally recognized sports and media organizations.
Advertiser disclosure
