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 — Skylar Diggins-Smith OVER 20.5 points plus assists vs. Wings (-105, FanDuel)
- FanDuel offer: Bet $5 and get $150 in Bonus Bets
Referencing the newly released cut from Seattle’s own Pearl Jam, comb through the wreckage of any matchup against the Dallas Wings and value surfaces.
The Wings are a dismal 4-13 this season and, not surprisingly, are one of the most disastrous defensive teams in the WNBA. They rank second to last in points per game allowed (87.1) and rock bottom in opponent assists per game (22.7).
Diggins-Smith is the Storm’s electrical current. Whether skipping passes cloud to cloud or connecting on her own basket bolts, she’s a numbers accumulator. On 31.9 minutes played per game, the crafty guard has averaged a combined 20.6 points plus assists per game, topping the proposed prop in 64.7% of contests this season. And last Thursday, the six-time All-Star tied her season high with nine assists in an 89-77 win against the Fever.
The last time SDS crossed paths with Dallas on June 13, she scored 21 points and dropped six dimes in a 92-84 Seattle victory. In the teams’ second encounter of the year, bank on another profitable return from the Storm's supreme facilitator.
In what should be a high-possession game — Seattle’s 81.40 pace per 40 possessions is second in the league — Diggins-Smith generates enough shot volume and converted feeds to lead backers to a cash.