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Read Article WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Monday, May 18, 2026
Updated: | First published:
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Written by Damien Souness, Chief Experience Officer
Get first basket predictions today backed by expert analysis of WNBA slate on 5/18.
Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Monday, May 18, 2026—are live with the Mavericks' Brittney Griner projected as the most likely player to score first.
These projections derive insights from detailed first basket stats, including player efficiency, shot frequency, and expected starting lineups, forming part of our daily WNBA player projections.
Griner, Paige Bueckers and Kiki Iriafen lead Monday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also showcase tonight's top first basket value picks by comparing real-time odds to model-generated probabilities.
WNBA first basket predictions tonight (May 18, 2026)
| Player (Team) | FB Probability |
|---|---|
| Brittney Griner (Sun) | 14.9% |
| Paige Bueckers (Wings) | 14.1% |
| Kiki Iriafen (Mystics) | 13.6% |
| Sarah Ashlee Barker (Fire) | 12.0% |
| Shakira Austin (Mystics) | 11.8% |
| Odyssey Sims (Wings) | 11.2% |
| Arike Ogunbowale (Wings) | 10.1% |
| Aneesah Morrow (Sun) | 10.1% |
| Emily Engstler (Fire) | 9.9% |
| Sonia Citron (Mystics) | 9.9% |
| Luisa Geiselsoder (Fire) | 9.6% |
| Nyadiew Puoch (Fire) | 9.5% |
| Bridget Carleton (Fire) | 8.9% |
| Diamond Miller (Sun) | 8.8% |
| Jessica Shepard (Wings) | 8.7% |
| Saniya Rivers (Sun) | 8.7% |
| Cotie McMahon (Mystics) | 8.5% |
| Kennedy Burke (Sun) | 7.5% |
| Georgia Amoore (Mystics) | 6.2% |
| Alanna Smith (Wings) | 5.8% |
WNBA first basket picks today (May 18, 2026)
| Player | Team | Edge | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyadiew Puoch | Fire | 2.4% | +1300 | 9.5% |
| Cotie McMahon | Mystics | 2.2% | +1500 | 8.5% |
| Odyssey Sims | Wings | 2.1% | +1000 | 11.2% |
| Kiki Iriafen | Mystics | 1.8% | +750 | 13.6% |
| Emily Engstler | Fire | 1.6% | +1100 | 9.9% |
| Luisa Geiselsoder | Fire | 0.5% | +1000 | 9.6% |
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 5/18.
Conclusion: Betting on today's NBA first basket
For Monday, May 18, 2026, Brittney Griner, Paige Bueckers and Kiki Iriafen lead our first basket projections, while Nyadiew Puoch shapes as the strongest value play at +1300. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ WNBA first basket model.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
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.
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