The short answer here is yes. Academic prestige matters most in academia related endeavors. Folks who like to say don't worry about your degree or grades are speaking about WORK related endeavors, SCHOOL related endeavors are different. I believe with the entry level MSN you'll be able to leverage your completion of graduate level coursework like advanced patho, advanced pharm and adv HA (huge benefit over a BSN applicant), however I don't believe it will shorten your DNP time at all.
Also, many programs waive the GRE for applicants who hold a MSN. I'm not saying it's necessary, as others have said if the BSN will save you a significant amount of money then go for it! There is an academic advantage of earning the MSN though, it shouldn't be ignored if your goal is to go back for a terminal degree.