Thanks to the influx of extraordinary young talent, the popularity of the WNBA is blowing up. Unsurprisingly, the betting markets are too. Showing respect to the wonderful women’s game, this gambler will occasionally dip his toe in the WNBA wagering waters.
The pick — Sabrina Ionescu OVER 28.5 points plus rebounds plus assists at Mercury (-107, FanDuel)
- FanDuel offer: Bet $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets
On Monday, the NBA crowned a champion as Boston thumped Dallas 106-88 to win a league-record 18th title. Up the coast from the Big Apple, surely the parties raging in Southie are carrying on with the utmost civility.
With the NBA season’s final chapter written, attention turns to the WNBA, a league that’s been caught in the crossfire of hot takes and manufactured controversy spouted by knuckleheads on social media. Increased popularity isn’t without its downside.
Ionescu is one of the game’s brightest young stars and plays for a second-place Liberty squad that’s only +170 to capture their first-ever WNBA championship.
On Tuesday night in Phoenix, the former Oregon Duck is likely to fly high. The Mercury, one of the fastest teams in the W, relish high possessions. Defense, however, is optional.
This season, Nate Tibbetts’ team is at or near the bottom in several statistical categories, including rebounds allowed per game (36.6), assists allowed per game (21.2) and points allowed per game (85.3). For a gangbusters stat sheet stuffer like Ionescu, it’s a glorious matchup.
In New York’s 81-78 home victory on May 29, Ionescu mowed down the Mercury with 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Cashing OVER 28.5 PRA in four of her last six contests by averaging 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists this month, the “Triple-Double Queen” at the collegiate level flirts with one at Footprint Center.
Shine brightly, Lady Liberty.
WNBA season record: 4-4, +1.15 units