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WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Friday, May 8, 2026
Updated: | First published:
Written by Damien Souness, Chief Innovation Officer
Get first basket predictions today backed by expert analysis of WNBA slate on 5/8.
Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, May 8, 2026—are live with the Knicks' Brittney Griner projected as the most likely player to score first.
These 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.
Griner, Breanna Stewart and Dominique Malonga lead Friday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also identify tonight's best first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
WNBA first basket predictions tonight (May 8, 2026)
| Player (Team) | FB Probability |
|---|---|
| Brittney Griner (Sun) | 15.6% |
| Breanna Stewart (Liberty) | 15.0% |
| Dominique Malonga (Storm) | 14.9% |
| Natisha Hiedeman (Storm) | 13.1% |
| Marina Mabrey (Tempo) | 12.2% |
| Lauren Betts (Mystics) | 11.9% |
| Shakira Austin (Mystics) | 11.8% |
| Kiki Iriafen (Mystics) | 11.7% |
| Janelle Salaun (Valkyries) | 11.5% |
| Temi Fagbenle (Tempo) | 11.5% |
| Kia Nurse (Tempo) | 11.0% |
| Kayla Thornton (Valkyries) | 10.9% |
| Jordan Horston (Storm) | 9.7% |
| Saniya Rivers (Sun) | 9.7% |
| Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Sun) | 9.6% |
| Veronica Burton (Valkyries) | 9.5% |
| Jonquel Jones (Liberty) | 9.5% |
| Rebekah Gardner (Liberty) | 9.4% |
| Gabby Williams (Valkyries) | 9.3% |
| Brittney Sykes (Tempo) | 8.9% |
| Sonia Citron (Mystics) | 8.9% |
| Tiffany Hayes (Valkyries) | 8.8% |
| Aneesah Morrow (Sun) | 8.5% |
| Marine Johannes (Liberty) | 8.1% |
| Betnijah Laney (Liberty) | 8.0% |
| Kennedy Burke (Sun) | 6.7% |
| Julie Allemand (Tempo) | 6.4% |
| Stefanie Dolson (Storm) | 6.3% |
| Mackenzie Holmes (Storm) | 6.0% |
| Georgia Amoore (Mystics) | 5.7% |
WNBA first basket picks today (May 8, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebekah Gardner | Liberty | 1.7% | +1200 | 9.4% |
| Janelle Salaun | Valkyries | 1.5% | +900 | 11.5% |
| Saniya Rivers | Sun | 0.6% | +1000 | 9.7% |
| Gabby Williams | Valkyries | 0.2% | +1000 | 9.3% |
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 NBA prop bets for 5/8.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Friday, May 8, 2026, Brittney Griner, Breanna Stewart and Dominique Malonga lead our first basket projections, while Rebekah Gardner shapes as the strongest value play at +1200. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ WNBA first basket model.
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Damien Souness leverages over 15 years of experience to create engaging content focused on sports, online gaming and wagering. As Chief Innovation Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, the parent company of Dimers, he offers strategic insights and innovative solutions to enhance the player experience.
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