WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Friday, August 7, 2026

Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Friday, August 7, 2026—are live with the Valkyries' Janelle Salaun projected as the most likely player to score first.

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

Salaun, Shakira Austin and Allisha Gray lead Friday’s most likely first basket scorers, while we also identify tonight's top 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 7, 2026)

• Janelle Salaun (Valkyries): 15.5% probability
• Shakira Austin (Mystics): 15.1% probability
• Allisha Gray (Dream): 13.9% probability
• Kelsey Plum (Mercury): 13.5% probability
• Kahleah Copper (Mercury): 13.3% probability
• Angel Reese (Dream): 13.1% probability
• Kiki Iriafen (Mystics): 12.9% probability
• Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Sun): 12.9% probability
• Leila Lacan (Sun): 11.9% probability
• Paige Bueckers (Wings): 11.5% probability
• Arike Ogunbowale (Wings): 11.2% probability
• Diamond Miller (Sun): 11.0% probability
• Alyssa Thomas (Mercury): 10.7% probability
• Tiffany Hayes (Valkyries): 10.5% probability
• Jessica Shepard (Wings): 10.2% probability
• Veronica Burton (Valkyries): 10.1% probability
• Alanna Smith (Wings): 9.5% probability
• Kennedy Burke (Sun): 9.2% probability
• Sonia Citron (Mystics): 9.1% probability
• DeWanna Bonner (Mercury): 8.4% probability
• Rhyne Howard (Dream): 8.4% probability
• Kayla Thornton (Valkyries): 8.2% probability
• Naz Hillmon (Dream): 8.1% probability
• Azzi Fudd (Wings): 7.6% probability
• Georgia Amoore (Mystics): 7.0% probability
• Jordin Canada (Dream): 6.5% probability
• Michaela Onyenwere (Mystics): 5.8% probability
• Kiah Stokes (Valkyries): 5.7% probability
• Charlisse Leger-Walker (Sun): 5.0% probability
• Noemie Brochant (Mercury): 4.1% probability

WNBA first basket picks today (August 7, 2026)

• Arike Ogunbowale (Wings): 2.8% edge at +1100
• Alanna Smith (Wings): 1.8% edge at +1200
• Allisha Gray (Dream): 1.4% edge at +700
• Naz Hillmon (Dream): 1.4% edge at +1400
• Angel Reese (Dream): 1.4% edge at +750
• Veronica Burton (Valkyries): 1.0% edge at +1000
• Diamond Miller (Sun): 0.8% edge at +880
• Georgia Amoore (Mystics): 0.6% edge at +1460

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 8/7.

Conclusion: Betting on today's WNBA first basket

For Friday, August 7, 2026, Janelle Salaun, Shakira Austin and Allisha Gray lead our first basket projections, while Arike Ogunbowale shapes as the strongest value play at +1100. All picks and predictions are derived from Dimers’ WNBA first basket model.

For tips and resources on responsible wagering, visit our Responsible Gambling section.