WNBA first basket predictions for Friday include Nneka Ogwumike, Courtney Williams [8/22/2025]

Our WNBA first basket predictions for Friday, August 22, 2025, are live—with Nneka Ogwumike of the Storm the most likely player to score the first basket based on the latest Dimers Pro simulation data.

Friday's first basket predictions pull from our full list of WNBA first basket odds and player projections, which highlight not only first basket probabilities, but also projected points, rebounds, assists and more for every player on today's basketball slate.

Who will score the first basket tonight? [August 22, 2025]

Player (Team)	FB Probability
Nneka Ogwumike (Storm)	16.1%
Paige Bueckers (Wings)	15.6%
Kelsey Mitchell (Fever)	14.2%
Courtney Williams (Lynx)	🔒
Alyssa Thomas (Mercury)	🔒
Maddy Siegrist (Wings)	🔒
Natasha Howard (Fever)	🔒
Satou Sabally (Mercury)	🔒
Aliyah Boston (Fever)	🔒
Janelle Salaun (Valkyries)	🔒

According to our data-driven analysis, the most likely WNBA player to score the first basket across today's matchups is Nneka Ogwumike, with a probability of 16.1%.

Following Ogwumike closely are Paige Bueckers at 15.6% and Kelsey Mitchell at 14.2%.

Courtney Williams and Alyssa Thomas are among those in the top 10, with the full list of first basket projections for Friday 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 [8/22/2025]

After simulating the outcome of today's WNBA matchups thousands of times each, our predictive model has found the best WNBA first basket betting pick for Friday.

Courtney Williams first basket scorer

• Odds: +850
• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 14%
• Matchup: Lynx vs. Fever (7:30PM ET)

Our model has identified the best WNBA first basket bet for today's WNBA slate in the game between the Lynx and Fever. The bet is on Courtney Williams (MIN) at odds of +850 with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an edge of 3.4% according to our analysis.

Dimers' model not only showcases Williams for her 3.4% betting edge but also ranks her among the top five most likely first basket scorers for today, as seen in the earlier list.

For more expert WNBA picks and data-backed 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 [8/22/2025]

• Lynx vs. Fever (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Storm vs. Wings (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Valkyries vs. Mercury (10:00PM ET, Friday)

Conclusion

For August 22, 2025, our WNBA first basket predictions showcase star players including Nneka Ogwumike, Paige Bueckers and Kelsey Mitchell—all of whom are among the top projected chances to open the scoring in today’s games. But when it comes to +EV betting, it’s Courtney Williams who emerges as the top pick, producing a calculated 3.4% edge at +850 odds.

These projections are built from 10,000 game simulations, giving you a reliable foundation 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.

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