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 — SGP: Angel Reese 12+ points and 8+ rebounds, Sky and Liberty both score 74+ points (+105, BetMGM)
- BetMGM offer: $1500 in Bonus Bets paid back
When it comes to action in the WNBA, Chicago is sticking to its Second City nickname. Yes, Angel Reese is in contention for Rookie of the Year honors, but she’s a clear-cut silver medalist to Caitlin Clark, according to the latest betting markets. (At BetMGM, Clark is -900, while Reese is +500.)
Reese’s Sky are also well behind the league’s pacesetting franchise. The first-place Liberty are 18-4 and one game ahead of Connecticut. Chicago, meanwhile, trails New York by a hefty 8 1/2 games.
The last time the teams clashed at the Barclays Center, Teresa Weatherspoon's Sky stunned the heavily favored Liberty 90-81 in late May. Though New York exacted its revenge in an 88-75 victory at Wintrust Arena in early June, Thursday’s matchup is sure to satisfy the thrill seekers.
Evans, another SGP? Shocking. Here’s a breakdown of legs in Sky vs. Liberty.
Angel Reese 12+ points. Will her record-setting double-double streak of 14 games come to an end? It’s certainly possible. In the two prior battles against New York, Reese reached what was required, notching 13 points in each. Scoring at least a dozen in six of her last eight contests, chances are significant she’ll cross the needed threshold. This month alone, she is shooting 51.0% from the floor. Most unpredictably, she’s pulling up behind the three-point line. Over her last four games, Reese is 2-for-6 from distance. It doesn’t matter if she nails a three or not. Expect the divine rookie to do enough window waxing to cash.
Angel Reese 8+ rebounds. The last time the All-Star failed to corral at least eight boards on May 30, the long-expired cottage cheese in this slacker’s fridge was still edible. Reese has grabbed eight or more rebounds in a scintillating 15 consecutive games. Against the Liberty this year, she has hauled in nine and 10 boards. With New York stunningly allowing the most rebounds per game (36.4) in the league over their last five contests, this leg should flex with relative ease.
Sky and Liberty both score 74+ points. With a game total sitting at 165.5 and the teams’ points allowed averages over 77 (Chicago 80.6, New York 77.5), it’s entirely fathomable this leg won’t overwork sweat glands. As mentioned above, the previous meetings finished 90-81 and 88-75. Considering the Sky have quickened their execution in recent weeks — they rank No. 4 in pace over their last 10 games — a higher-possession affair is on the docket. Both squads should cross the 74-point mark with ticks remaining in the fourth quarter.
WNBA season record: 13-12, +4.08 units