WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Thursday, September 17, 2026

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Written by Nick Slade

Get first basket predictions today guided by expert analysis of WNBA slate on 9/17.

WNBA First Basket Predictions Today.
Our WNBA first basket predictions for September 17, 2026, are based on Thursday's latest data and matchups.

Our WNBA first basket picks and predictions for today—Thursday, September 17, 2026—are live with the Aces' A'ja Wilson 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.

Wilson, Shakira Austin and Emily Engstler lead Thursday’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 (September 17, 2026)

  • A'ja Wilson (Aces): 17.0% probability
  • Shakira Austin (Mystics): 15.8% probability
  • Emily Engstler (Fire): 15.7% probability
  • Jackie Young (Aces): 15.6% probability
  • Paige Bueckers (Wings): 15.3% probability
  • Dominique Malonga (Storm): 14.9% probability
  • Kahleah Copper (Mercury): 14.8% probability
  • Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks): 14.1% probability
  • Brittney Griner (Sun): 13.9% probability
  • Sydney Taylor (Sky): 13.6% probability
  • Kiki Iriafen (Mystics): 13.6% probability
  • Rae Burrell (Sparks): 12.6% probability
  • Allisha Gray (Dream): 12.6% probability
  • Jessica Shepard (Wings): 12.3% probability
  • Rhyne Howard (Dream): 12.0% probability
  • Flau'jae Johnson (Storm): 11.6% probability
  • Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Sun): 11.3% probability
  • Jordan Harrison (Fire): 11.3% probability
  • Kamilla Cardoso (Sky): 10.8% probability
  • Natasha Mack (Mercury): 10.8% probability
  • Dearica Hamby (Sparks): 10.7% probability
  • Angel Reese (Dream): 10.5% probability
  • Natasha Cloud (Sky): 10.5% probability
  • Arike Ogunbowale (Wings): 10.4% probability
  • Alyssa Thomas (Mercury): 9.2% probability
  • Noemie Brochant (Mercury): 8.9% probability
  • Chelsea Gray (Aces): 8.8% probability
  • Natisha Hiedeman (Storm): 8.5% probability
  • Diamond Miller (Sun): 8.5% probability
  • Serah Williams (Fire): 8.5% probability
  • Leila Lacan (Sun): 8.4% probability
  • Azura Stevens (Sky): 8.2% probability
  • Jade Melbourne (Storm): 8.1% probability
  • Erica Wheeler (Sparks): 7.9% probability
  • Charlisse Leger-Walker (Sun): 7.9% probability
  • Jordin Canada (Dream): 7.7% probability
  • Nyadiew Puoch (Fire): 7.5% probability
  • Naz Hillmon (Dream): 7.3% probability
  • Michaela Onyenwere (Mystics): 7.0% probability
  • Awak Kuier (Wings): 7.0% probability
  • Karlie Samuelson (Fire): 6.9% probability
  • Awa Fam (Storm): 6.9% probability
  • Betnijah Laney (Mystics): 6.9% probability
  • Courtney Vandersloot (Sky): 6.9% probability
  • Georgia Amoore (Mystics): 6.8% probability
  • Sami Whitcomb (Mercury): 6.3% probability
  • Stephanie Talbot (Aces): 6.1% probability
  • Odyssey Sims (Wings): 5.1% probability
  • Ariel Atkins (Sparks): 4.6% probability
  • Brianna Turner (Aces): 2.6% probability
A'ja Wilson makes a layup.
A'ja Wilson is among the top contenders in the WNBA to score the first basket on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

WNBA first basket picks today (September 17, 2026)

  • Emily Engstler (Fire): 6.8% edge at +1020
  • Sydney Taylor (Sky): 5.2% edge at +1100
  • Rae Burrell (Sparks): 4.9% edge at +1200
  • Jackie Young (Aces): 3.1% edge at +700
  • Natasha Cloud (Sky): 2.2% edge at +1100
  • Chelsea Gray (Aces): 1.6% edge at +1300
  • Noemie Brochant (Mercury): 1.4% edge at +1240
  • Flau'jae Johnson (Storm): 1.3% edge at +870
  • Arike Ogunbowale (Wings): 1.3% edge at +1000
  • Nyadiew Puoch (Fire): 1.3% edge at +1500
  • Erica Wheeler (Sparks): 1.2% edge at +1380
  • Kiki Iriafen (Mystics): 1.1% edge at +700
  • Georgia Amoore (Mystics): 0.9% edge at +1600
  • Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks): 0.8% edge at +650
  • Charlisse Leger-Walker (Sun): 0.8% edge at +1300
  • Allisha Gray (Dream): 0.1% edge at +700

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 9/17.

 

Conclusion: Betting on today's WNBA first basket

For Thursday, September 17, 2026, A'ja Wilson, Shakira Austin and Emily Engstler lead our first basket projections, with Engstler shaping 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.

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Written by
Nick Slade
Chief Content Officer

Nick Slade, with nearly two decades of experience, is the Chief Content Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, overseeing content for Dimers. He specializes in soccer, NBA, and NHL betting, leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning to provide accurate betting insights.

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