WNBA first basket predictions for Thursday include Napheesa Collier, Shakira Austin [8/28/2025]

Our WNBA first basket predictions for Thursday, August 28, 2025, are live—with Napheesa Collier of the Lynx the most likely player to score the first basket according to the latest Dimers Pro simulation data.

Thursday's first basket predictions come straight from our WNBA first basket odds and player projections, which highlight not only first basket chances, but also projected points, rebounds, assists and more for every player on today's basketball slate.

Who will score the first basket tonight? [August 28, 2025]

Player (Team)	FB Probability
Napheesa Collier (Lynx)	17.0%
Shakira Austin (Mystics)	13.7%
Nneka Ogwumike (Storm)	13.0%
Kamilla Cardoso (Sky)	🔒
Jonquel Jones (Liberty)	🔒
Sonia Citron (Mystics)	🔒
Kiki Iriafen (Mystics)	🔒
Kahleah Copper (Mercury)	🔒
Angel Reese (Sky)	🔒
Ariel Atkins (Sky)	🔒

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely WNBA player to score the first basket in any of today's matchups is Napheesa Collier, with a probability of 17.0%.

Following Collier closely are Shakira Austin at 13.7% and Nneka Ogwumike at 13.0%.

Kamilla Cardoso and Jonquel Jones are among those in the top 10, with the full list of first basket projections for Thursday available once you sign up to Dimers Pro.

Already a Dimers Pro member? Head to today’s WNBA player projections and scroll across to the “FB” column to see every player’s probability of scoring the first basket.

Best WNBA first basket picks [8/28/2025]

Having simulated the result of today's WNBA slate thousands of times, our predictive model has found the best WNBA first basket bet for you to make on Thursday.

Ariel Atkins first basket scorer

• Odds: +1200
• Edge: 3.9%
• Probability: 11.6%
• Game: Sky vs. Mercury (10:00PM ET)

Our model has identified the best WNBA first basket bet for today's WNBA slate in the game between the Sky and Mercury. The bet is on Ariel Atkins (CHI) at odds of +1200 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 3.9% according to our analysis.

Not only does Atkins present an edge according to our model, but she is also among our top 10 most likely first basket scorers for today, as noted in the list above.

For more expert WNBA picks and data-driven WNBA predictions, join Dimers Pro now. Pro users get full access to all of today's first basket predictions, plus projected box scores for every player—perfect for building smarter WNBA parlays.

WNBA schedule for today [8/28/2025]

• Mystics vs. Liberty (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Storm vs. Lynx (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Sky vs. Mercury (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Conclusion

For August 28, 2025, our WNBA first basket predictions showcase standout players including Napheesa Collier, Shakira Austin and Nneka Ogwumike—all of whom are among the top projected chances to open the scoring in today’s games. But when it comes to betting value, it’s Ariel Atkins who emerges as the top play, showing a calculated 3.9% edge at +1200 odds.

These projections are built from 10,000 game simulations, giving you a reliable basis for smarter prop betting. Always wager with care—help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER if you or someone close to you needs support.

For more insight, check out our WNBA player props and WNBA best bets. Stay in the loop with our up-to-the-minute WNBA betting trends, WNBA news, and current WNBA title odds.

This article was partially generated using automated data and AI tools, with all content reviewed and finalized by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and quality.

Note: This article may include affiliate links. Learn how we review products and services.