The pick — Breanna Stewart OVER 9.5 rebounds vs. Mercury (+100, DraftKings)
Due to a certain someone named Caitlin Clark, once-abundant betting advantages in the WNBA have evaporated. Ask seasoned gamblers about the steadfast attention the league has received, and they’ll express the same point of view.
The W’s popularity is wonderful to witness. Its star power beyond the Indiana Fever supernova is absolutely radiant. The impact should rival what the NBA experienced in the mid-80s with the introduction of talents like Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon and other Hall of Famers.
Stewart is one of those seminal talents.
Routinely crashing the glass, the Liberty’s premier paint patroller is one of the best rebounders in the women’s game. Her box-out skills and off-the-rim knack are why she ranks fourth in boards per game at 9.2. The 2016 No. 1 overall pick has hauled in at least 10 rebounds in four of her last five games. Also, the Mercury have yielded 36.8 boards per game, the second most in the league.
Given her high minutes played (32.0 per game) and exploitable matchup, Stewart squeezes the rock enough times to cash.
WNBA season record: 0-1, -1.12 units