Can this be earned through a practice game? I would never do it unless I knew my first win would go to waste not having time to play. But the extra IP would be worth a 15-20 minute game I probably could squeeze in.

Second, was first win of the day always on an individual timer or did that just change recently. Before I thought it was on a global timer but I don't know. If it was on a global timer I would almost rather that for some weird reason.

I believe it's only achievable through a real game. I'll have to test this.

I knew it was a 22 hour time now but has it always been?

Only real games (not practice) give FWOTD bonus. 22 hour timer. Not sure how long it's been this way, but a good while.