WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Playoffs today, Friday, October 16, 2026

Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, October 16, 2026—are live with the Valkyries' Gabby Williams projected as the most likely player to score first.

These projections draw on detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily WNBA player projections.

Williams, Angel Reese and Cecilia Zandalasini 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 Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (October 16, 2026)

• Gabby Williams (Valkyries): 19.0% probability
• Angel Reese (Dream): 13.6% probability
• Cecilia Zandalasini (Valkyries): 11.7% probability
• Jordin Canada (Dream): 10.7% probability
• DeWanna Bonner (Dream): 10.0% probability
• Rhyne Howard (Dream): 9.8% probability
• Kayla Thornton (Valkyries): 8.0% probability
• Veronica Burton (Valkyries): 7.4% probability
• Naz Hillmon (Dream): 5.9% probability
• Kiah Stokes (Valkyries): 4.0% probability

WNBA first basket picks today (October 16, 2026)

• Gabby Williams (Valkyries): 4.1% edge at +573
• Jordin Canada (Dream): 1.1% edge at +940
• Naz Hillmon (Dream): 0.0% edge at +1600

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 10/16.

Conclusion: Betting on today's WNBA first basket

For the Playoffs action on Friday, October 16, 2026, Gabby Williams, Angel Reese and Cecilia Zandalasini lead our first basket projections, with Williams shaping as the strongest value play at +500. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ WNBA first basket model.

For guidance on safer wagering habits, explore our Responsible Gambling resources. Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, October 16, 2026—are live with the Valkyries' Gabby Williams projected as the most likely player to score first.

These projections draw on detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily WNBA player projections.

WNBA Playoffs first basket predictions tonight (October 16, 2026)

• Gabby Williams (Valkyries): 19.0% probability
• Angel Reese (Dream): 13.6% probability
• Cecilia Zandalasini (Valkyries): 11.7% probability
• Jordin Canada (Dream): 10.7% probability
• DeWanna Bonner (Dream): 10.0% probability
• Rhyne Howard (Dream): 9.8% probability
• Kayla Thornton (Valkyries): 8.0% probability
• Veronica Burton (Valkyries): 7.4% probability
• Naz Hillmon (Dream): 5.9% probability
• Kiah Stokes (Valkyries): 4.0% probability

WNBA first basket picks today (October 16, 2026)

• Gabby Williams (Valkyries): 4.1% edge at +573
• Jordin Canada (Dream): 1.1% edge at +940
• Naz Hillmon (Dream): 0.0% edge at +1600

Edges represent the difference between model probability and implied odds.

Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket

For the Playoffs action on Friday, October 16, 2026, Gabby Williams, Angel Reese and Cecilia Zandalasini lead our first basket projections, with Williams shaping as the strongest value play at +500. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ WNBA first basket model.

For additional tools and information on betting safely, visit the Responsible Gambling hub at Dimers.com/responsible-gambling.