Aces A’ja Wilson was lost in the early part of the week with a wrist injury and is questionable to play in this contest. The MVP candidate is one of the best two-way players in the game, capable of winning games on both ends of the floor with elite scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. If she can’t go or plays limited minutes, Jewell Loyd and the cast around her will have to be more aggressive and her absence would take away some of their paint dominance.

Washington is only a game below .500 and is finally finding its stride. The Mystics have been composed in close games and made a statement with their blowout win against Chicago on Sunday. Their big three of Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have stepped up at the perfect time and team defense from Washington has improved with time. They are particularly good at defending the perimeter and should look to be more physical inside against a team that is not 100%.

Las Vegas is an incredibly dangerous team with the ability to explode for points at any time. But the Aces have been all over the place in the last few games, particularly on the defensive end, which can derail their chances if Wilson isn’t 100%. The Mystics have looked really good at home of late, especially since Christy Applegate came back. They have more balance offensively and won’t shy away from the paint. If the team can control the glass and outmuscle Las Vegas in the second half, then they are the team to play tonight. 

Jim's Play: 612. Was Mystics

Fresh off one of the most memorable first seasons in franchise history, the Golden State Valkyries are not quite sure how to explain what’s made them effective so far. Led by first-year coach Natalie Nakase, Golden State is a defensive juggernaut (No. 3 defensive rating, 97.8 and stingiest points per game in the WNBA with 77.5) that is at its best when setting the tone on that end of the floor, the reason they are 4-2 when winning by at least eight points and 5-6 in games decided by fewer than four. In that vein, Tiffany Hayes scored 23 points in their most recent game to continue proving why she’s one of the best veteran scorers off the bench in the league.

The Atlanta Dream are one of the tougher teams in the East at 11-7 and even tougher at home with a 7-3 record. They lead the WNBA in defensive rebounds (27.9 per game), and Brionna Jones is the best interior defender on a team with excellent depth up front. The Dream are much more potent on offense where they rank No. 4 in points per possession (106.1), led by their trio of Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Jones, who are coming off great seasons themselves and all average double-digits. Atlanta also defends, giving up 78.6 points per game and opponents shooting under 44 percent over the last 10 games.

This will be the first time the two sides have met in 2025 so there’s a little mystery to what happens on the court. We’ll find out in real time whether Golden State’s methodical, grind-it-out defense can withstand Atlanta’s well-rounded, aggressive frontcourt and home-court advantage, as it’s the classic contrast of styles. We can probably expect the Valkyries to run a deliberate pace, play consistently from stop to stop, and rely on Hayes and Kayla Thornton to come through down the stretch while the Dream crash the boards, attack the rim and feed the go-to scorers early in the shot clock.

I'm going to take the points with Golden State here on Monday and won't be surprised by a straight-up win by the Valkyries. 

Jim's Play: 621. GS Valkyries +6.5

Seattle is the underdog in Sunday’s game in New York, but this one has all the makings of a cover for the Storm. Seattle won Game 1 in Seattle on June 22 by 10 points, but they pulled off an outright win in that same game as underdogs. They’ve been good on the road recently, going 5-1 against the spread in their last six trips to New York and they have an overall ATS toughness, 10-8 in their last 18.

New York is one of the best home teams in the league, but the absence of Jonquel Jones is a big one; she’s their main interior presence. They’ll have Sabrina Ionescu back in the lineup and Leonie Fiebich will be coming off EuroBasket, but the Liberty have been very sloppy without Jones. Turnovers and lack of execution showed up once again in the opener at Barclays Center. Their ATS form is down too: they’re 0-4-1 in their last five. 

Seattle is the team with momentum coming in. They’ve won seven of their last ten, they rank second in the WNBA in field-goal percentage and three-point percentage, and their defense holds opponents to the low 80s. Their pace and efficiency should be a good counter to New York’s preferred fast tempo; history says these games usually go under, and that’s in Seattle’s favor as well.

The bet for the action here is a repeat of the Seattle win, but this time covering the spread. The Storm are growing in confidence, they’re sharp on the road and New York aren’t at full health or sharpness themselves. Expect Seattle to stay close throughout, then cover comfortably in a tight, well-executed game.

Jim's Play: 615. Seattle Storm

Saturday’s game at Target Center features the 15-2 Minnesota Lynx hosting the 9-7 Golden State Valkyries. Minnesota comes in as a powerhouse, leading the league with a dominant home record and the top offensive and defensive efficiency in the WNBA. Napheesa Collier is at the heart of their success, averaging nearly 25 points and routinely producing double-doubles. Meanwhile, Minnesota is unbeaten at home in regular season play and covered the spread in six of their last seven home games.

The Valkyries, meanwhile, have been one of the surprise stories of the season. As an expansion team, they’ve exceeded all expectations, winning seven of their last nine overall and four of five against the spread . They’re fresh off a statement 84-57 win over Seattle, where they locked down defensively (holding Seattle to just 27% shooting) and shot the ball efficiently. Coach Natalie Nakase is reintegrating key EuroBasket-returned players like Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaün, and Temi Fagbenle, aiming to blend recent chemistry with proven talent.

The spread is set at Minnesota –9.5, but I expect Golden State to cover. Minnesota enters as the clear favorite, with the firepower to pull away if they’re locked in, but Golden State has momentum, defensive prowess, and a track record of covering as hefty underdogs. If the Valkyries can sustain their defensive intensity and stay within single digits, they’ll cover the 9.5-point spread. Expect a tightly contested first three quarters with the gap closing late as Golden State presses.

Jim's Play: 613. Golden State Valkyries

The Las Vegas Aces (8-8) take on the Indiana Fever (8-8) today on Thursday, July 3. Oddly enough, two mediocre teams in the middle of the pack will battle it out for a chance to get better positioning Thursday evening. Both Indiana and Las Vegas enter at .500 with enough talent to suggest this won’t be a blowout. The Indiana Fever enter the game in a wave of momentum, having just won the Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday with a 74–59 win over Minnesota. Their defense was smothering as usual, holding the Lynx to just 39 points in three quarters, and Indiana earned a trophy for finishing first in the regular season. However, they are without their star rookie guard Caitlin Clark once again as her groin injury kept her out of this one, leaving Kelsey Mitchell to carry the offense, and she has been on fire recently. Mitchell is averaging just under 19 points a night and is coming off four consecutive games with 20 or more points.

The Aces of Las Vegas are also 8–8 but have the ingredients to surprise Indiana with their proven veteran point guard Jriel Taylor leading the way with an average of 17.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game and Rookie of the Year A’ja Wilson still wreaking havoc inside and on the defensive end. Wilson is averaging 21.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, just under 4 assists, almost 3 blocks, and nearly 2 steals per contest  and has been playing like an MVP so far this season. They recently made a trade to add more frontcourt depth in the form of NaLyssa Smith.

Indiana and Vegas have played each other a couple of times so far this year and it has not gone well for the Fever as they’ve lost five consecutive games, four of which went under and by the point spreads as well. Looks like Clark will have to miss this game with that lingering groin injury. Couple that with the comedown from their Cup win and this is a prime spot for a Vegas win and cover.

Jim's Play: 603. LV Aces 

The Minnesota Lynx will square off against the Indiana Fever for the Commissioner’s Cup tonight. Indiana (8–8) against Minnesota (14–2) for the Cup at the Target Center. Minnesota looks to defend it's Cup title while Indiana looks for its first. 

Minnesota is 14–2, including 8–0 at Target Center. The Lynx have the best point differential in the league at +11.2, and that’s with every team in the WNBA missing at least one game due to the Olympic break. The Lynx were also No. 2 in defensive rating (89.6) and assist percentage (66.4%) before the break. Indiana’s deep shooting could be the key, but the question is whether Fever star Caitlin Clark will be available. Clark is currently questionable with a groin injury but I have it on good sourse she won't be playing. 

Indiana and Minnesota are top three in 3-point percentage on offense, with Minnesota being first in the league (36.3%) and Indiana sixth (34.2%). But their defensive 3-point shooting percentages are also top three, with Minnesota holding opponents to the league-best 29% from deep and Indiana fifth (27.5%).

Minnesota’s offense is anchored by Napheesa Collier. She’s the league’s scoring leader at 24.4 PPG with elite shooting splits (52.5 FG%, 39.6 3PT%) and a dominant two-way game . Collier is also the favorite to win MVP.

Indiana, meanwhile, has played well when Caitlin Clark is on the court. She’s hurt for much of the past month, dealing with a groin strain and missing at least part of three games. Clark had 20 points in Saturday’s semifinal against Chicago. Indiana has still played well without Clark, winning by double digits in four out of five Cup games. Kelsey Mitchell poured in 32 points in the semifinal and Lexie Hull has also had big scoring games . And of course, there’s Aliyah Boston who’s averaging nearly 16 PPG and 8 RPG. The matchup to watch will be Collier and Boston.

If Clark misses some or all of this game then they will be in big trouble against this talented Minnesota team that is perfect at home. 

Jim's play: Minnesota Lynx

One of the more interesting games this weekend could take place Sunday, when the Seattle Storm will square off against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Seattle has been playing some high-level basketball as of late, with seven wins in its last nine contests, and the Storm are a bona fide offensive powerhouse. Gabby Williams is a two-way stud and already leads the WNBA in steals, but her perimeter shooting and playmaking is also a major asset. Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike provide veteran savvy that has fueled Seattle’s recent play, highlighted by a blowout victory over Connecticut later in the week. The Golden State Valkyries have been one of the pleasant surprises of the young WNBA season, as the expansion club is already 6-3 at home. Golden State already owns a victory over Seattle earlier in the month and are built for a home win on Sunday. Kayla Thornton has been a stalwart offensively for the Valkyries with consistent scoring and rebounding. Tiffany Hayes has come into her own as a smooth and effective veteran presence as well. The Valkyries also have a bit of a defensive identity which should allow them to slow down Seattle’s potent offense. The Storm are slight favorites, but this is shaping up as a close one, particularly with Golden State being so confident on their home court. I'll take the Valkyries on Sunday. 

Jim's Play: 630. GS Valkyries

Washington heads into Dallas on Saturday night riding a three-game win streak, looking to maintain some positive momentum after returning to .500 at 8-8. The Mystics have won three in a row, capped by an overtime win over these same Wings last weekend. In that game, rookie Sonia Citron scored 27 and made a three-pointer in the closing seconds to seal the deal. Washington has been playing well despite Brittney Sykes on the sidelines and a few other rotation players questionable, they’re able to find scoring from all around the roster and playing with more and more confidence. Dallas is 4-13 but has managed to show some signs of life following a 1-11 start. They’ve won two of their last three games, with freshman Paige Bueckers on fire and 6’7” center Li Yueru giving them some much-needed rim protection. They still have major injury issues though, missing multiple rotation players including Teaira McCowan and DiJonai Carrington. Washington has won the last four meetings in this series, but Dallas has more continuity and a deeper bench this season. Unless Bueckers goes off and Dallas dictates the pace, the Mystics should be able to extend their win streak.

Take:  619. Mystics 

The New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury will face each other Friday night in one of the more interesting games on the WNBA docket. These two played just over a week ago, with the Mercury picking up an 89-81 win on the road, and now they are at home. The Mercury come into tonight's contest with a six game win streak, an attempt to move to the front of the pack in the league standings. The Mercury have been cooking so far this season, scoring just over 82 points per game, while holding opponents to 78. The inside presence from Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas has been solid thus far, with Sabally leading the team in scoring at over 19 per night, and Thomas racking up the counting stats on both sides of the court.

On the other side, the Liberty enter the game at 11-3 but have some major injury concerns. Jonquel Jones will not play due to her ongoing ankle injury, and they will also be missing Leonie Fiebich and a couple key reserves as well, which means Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu will have to carry even more of the load than they have been. While they still have a lot of punch offensively, leading the league in both points and shooting efficiency, they will likely struggle defensively without Jones in the paint against Phoenix’s strong and physical frontcourt.

This game may come down to if the New York backcourt is able to run and make shots from the perimeter while avoiding foul trouble on defense. For the Mercury, they want to run the ball inside and continue to turn up the efficiency and execution we have seen from them of late. The Mercury are at home, have the form, the health, and the momentum, so the betting edge here goes to Phoenix as a small home favorite. 

Jim's Play: 616. Phx Mercury (WNBA Game of the Month)

 I’ll be previewing the WNBA action with a focus on the LA Sparks and Indiana Fever, and why I see value in betting the over.

Indiana enters this game with some confidence after a big 94–86 victory over the Seattle Storm that broke up their two-game losing streak. The win was led by Aliyah Boston with 31 points and Kelsey Mitchell scoring 26 . Caitlin Clark hasn’t been sharp yet this year (1-for-23 from three, six points in the last game) but she continues to dish and feed off-ball players which should also equate to pace and points . The Fever score 84.0 ppg on the year, and are firmly in the green in terms of their scoring differential so they should provide a steady dose of offensive upside.

LA is a bad team that has also not won much this season, but they’ve still proven capable on offense and have kept it afloat—they score 81.3 points per game on the year and all four of their last games have gone over the total . The pace has been high in their recent games as well, but their defense has not kept up and that creates the perfect recipe for an up-tempo shootout. 

Let’s also not forget about these two’s historical betting patterns too: In the last nine games, six against LA have gone over and four of six of their home games have done the same (LA has won just one of five in Indy) . LA has also gone over in 10 of their last 12 games, so the historical numbers also lean towards the over. With both teams having the scoring ability to get this game over the total combined with playing style that is set up for a back-and-forth affair filled with fast transition buckets, offensive rebounds and lots of possessions, expect the Fever’s playmakers to set the pace and the Sparks’ lack of a way to slow it down to send this one up comfortably over the total. If you’re on the over, let’s make this your game plan.

Jim's Play: 605. Sparks/Fever OVER

On Wednesday night, the New York Liberty make their way to the West Coast to take on the Golden State Valkyries in a game that should be a lot of fun to watch. New York comes in at 10-3, but the Liberty have lost two of their last three, and two of their recent losses were to Phoenix (in a blowout) and Seattle (in a flat performance). The bigger issue for New York is the absence of Jonquel Jones, who will be sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury. She leaves a hole in the paint that will put more burden on Breanna Stewart and New York’s bench to step up. Sabrina Ionescu continues to be the engine of the offense, and she’s been solid, but the Liberty will need some extra help from role players Natasha Cloud and Marine Johannès to maintain their offensive efficiency on the road in a tough environment.

Golden State comes in at 7-6 and is exceeding expectations as an expansion team. The Valkyries have been especially tough at home, posting a 5-2 record at Chase Center, and they’re coming off an 87-63 blowout of Connecticut. Kayla Thornton, a former Liberty forward, has been the catalyst for Golden State. She is physical on defense and a timely scorer. Temi Fágbénlé is their rebounding force, and head coach Natalie Nakase has embraced a defense-first identity that makes the Valkyries competitive even when their shots aren’t falling. They’ve been shooting under 40% from the field, but they make up for it with hustle, rebounding, and a deep rotation that’s giving strong minutes to young players like Bree Hall and Kaitlyn Chen.

I think this one will be a grind-it-out first game. This Liberty team isn’t the same juggernaut club without Jones, and the Golden State Valkyries have grit and motivation (not least of which is Thornton wanting to show her former team what she’s been able to do with more minutes). I'm going to take the points here tonight with the host and look for a close game. 

Jim's Play: 602. GS Valkyries 

L.A. is on the road at Chicago as a slight favorite, with most outlets having the Sparks anywhere from –5.5 to 6 early on . Despite a rough patch (they’re 3-game ATS losers and 5-9 against the spread overall), this is one matchup and personnel advantage they have tonight.

Chicago is really poor on both ends (12th in offensive and defensive efficiency), and they’re 1-4 at home this season. They’re missing some players up front, too, with Kamilla Cardoso (questionable) after a recent limited run and Angel Reese (beast on the boards) not shooting the ball efficiently. That’s an opening for the Sparks.

On the other side, L.A. has more consistent scoring punch in Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Azurá Stevens and Rickea Jackson, and their veteran lineup is more than capable of exploiting Chicago’s defense. Plum, for one, averaged 20+ points and scored 28 in their last matchup.

Chicago’s defense is porous, their offense is stale, and L.A.’s perimeter punch and post depth should be enough to keep this one in control. Even if the Sky keep it close early, the Sparks should have enough distance on the by the final whistle.

Jim's Play: 625. Sparks

Atlanta Dream come into tonight's contest at Dallas averaging nearly 88 points per game and is near the top of the league in both scoring and 3-point makes. The Dream have cleared 88 four times in their last five games and are clicking offensively in the modern offense under Karl Smesko. They are stretching the floor, causing headaches for lesser defenses, and those same defenses have struggled to contain Atlanta on the road where they continue to score.

Dallas is no slouch either. The Wings are scoring about 82 points per game, good for sixth-best in the WNBA, with rookies Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and NaLyssa Smith each contributing regularly. Bueckers is averaging just under 18 points a game and Ogunbowale dropped 27 on Sunday. Even with a few injuries to their frontcourt depth, this group has remained dangerous offensively.

The total has gone over in four of Dallas’s last five games and seven of Atlanta’s last eight — even in Dallas. What ties it all together is pace. Both teams are in the top half of the league in pace and shots taken, and neither looks like they’re slowing down. Atlanta’s attack continues to find openings against porous defenses, and Dallas’s youth and balance mean they’ll continue to push no matter the opponent or the spot.

Bottom line: with two scoring offenses on the upswing, a little defensive balance, and an over-heavy recent scoring history, the over is the play entering Tuesday night.

Jim's Play: 621. ATL Dream/Dal Wings OVER 

WNBAProp

Paige Bueckers OVER Pts + rebounds+assists

On Tuesday the Golden State Valkyries will travel to Arlington to face the Dallas Wings in their WNBA matchup. The Valkyries demonstrated strong development in their inaugural season with a balanced 5-5 standing after securing consecutive victories against veteran teams Seattle, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Kayla Thornton delivered an outstanding inside performance and effective defense held opponents to less than 41% shooting for the 76-70 win against the Storm.

The Golden State roster expanded with valuable depth prior to this match after acquiring Kaitlyn Chen and Chloe Bibby to replace players participating in EuroBasket. Paige Bueckers' previous acquaintance with Chen from their UConn era brings intrigue to the team while Bibby's global background will support the Valkyries' rotational stability.

In contrast, Dallas has struggled mightily. Dallas Wings have only one victory after 12 games and face a 11-game home defeat streak but they have had offensive highlights like Arike Ogunbowale scoring 26 points yet their defensive performance is weak because they allow almost 88.5 points per game. Dallas faces depth issues after losing Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder to EuroBasket and now having Maddy Siegrist injured with a leg problem .

That matchup is critical: The Warriors interior game led by Thornton’s double-digit rebounding totals should take advantage of Dallas’s diminished paint protection. The Valkyries' team identity which focuses on aggressive and adaptable defensive strategies started to emerge during Natalie Nakase’s first season as head coach.

The Valkyries are expected to establish control over the game's tempo from the beginning. They’ve demonstrated their ability to establish fast leads and maintain them yet the Wings have struggled with maintaining their composure when facing pressure at home.  Golden State’s extended bench depth will maintain rotational freshness while their strategy targets the Wings' depleted front line. 

Jim's Play: 621. Valkyries +3 (5 PT / 8 ET)

The Connecticut Sun travels to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Fever on Tuesday, June 17 with indications for a high-scoring matchup that will likely exceed the total. Since Caitlin Clark returned to the Fever's lineup following her standout performance against New York she averages 90.8 points per game when she plays while Indiana scores 76.4 points per game without her. The offensive boost acts as the primary driving force behind increased expectations.

This season Connecticut has struggled defensively giving up 88.2 points each game while Indiana has allowed opponents to score an average of 77.6 points. The high scoring tendencies of both teams strengthen the case for an offensive explosion because Indiana has surpassed the total in four of its last six home contests and the Sun in four out of six games overall.

The two teams combined for 168 points in their previous matchup on May 30 surpassing the previous total of 158.5. The current trend together with Indiana's scoring drive and Connecticut's defensive weaknesses strongly suggests this game will exceed the projected 165 points. The combined offensive force of Clark with the Fever together with the Sun’s variable offensive strength leads to a full-speed game featuring both teams. Indiana surpassing the spread with ease indicates we'll see an exciting matchup with a high score in Indianapolis tonight.

JIm's Play: 615. Sun/Fever OVER 

The Phoenix Sun head to Las Vegas in the best physical condition of their entire season. The team expects Kahleah Copper to return from knee surgery to join Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally who has been leading in both scoring and rebounding . Sabally's 20-point performance led the Mercury to a 93-80 victory against Dallas while their season rankings show them at eighth in shooting efficiency and within the top five for defensive performance.

Las Vegas secured an 88-84 victory against Dallas but their performance was inconsistent since MVP A’ja Wilson was absent due to concussion protocol. Jackie Young scored 28 points during that match while Jewell Loyd added 21 points to the scoreboard. The Las Vegas Aces experience defensive struggles which let opponents shoot over 47 percent and fail to control rebounds while their offensive output stays around the mid?80s each game.

A healthy Mercury team with good balance faces an Aces side missing their key player. Phoenix will take control in the fourth quarter if both Copper and Thomas perform well alongside Sabally's continued strong play. Las Vegas possesses skilled players in Young and Loyd yet must strengthen its defense and rebounding to maintain competitiveness in this game. 

I expect the Sun to run away with this contest as they are the healthiest they have been all season long.

Jim's Play: Phx Mercury

The Indiana Fever will play against the New York Liberty who remain unbeaten in the WNBA when they return home Saturday, June 14. Indiana will have a significant boost: After injury-induced absences, Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham will now return to the hardcourt. Clark missed five games due to a quad strain but returns with her league-leading stats of 19.0 points and 9.3 assists per game while playing a key role in Indiana's narrow 90-88 defeat against New York on May 24. Cunningham missed three games but practiced on Friday and appears prepared to contribute. The return of Clark and Cunningham resulted in Aari McDonald’s removal from the team but simultaneously enhanced roster depth and playmaking capabilities.

Still, the Fever have shortcomings: DeWanna Bonner continues to be out for personal reasons while the team shows signs of trouble with rebounds and interior defense stability. Indiana's record stands at 4-5 because they must improve their performance on both offense and defense fronts.

The Liberty team keeps pushing forward with unstoppable momentum. The New York Liberty maintain an undefeated 9-0 record while scoring approximately 90 points per game and keeping their opponents below 72 points. The team lost a tight 90-88 match to Indiana but has otherwise defeated opponents by at least ten points with several games reaching blowout margins of nearly 20 points. Breanna Stewart maintains her position as the leading offensive force by scoring roughly 19 points each game while Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud provide consistent playmaking abilities. Kennedy Burke has shown remarkable shooting ability from beyond the arc by successfully making over 63 percent of his three-point attempts.

Both teams strive for a Commissioner’s Cup spot which makes the stakes very high. Indiana’s depth returns but New York’s dominance is clear: The Liberty leads with an elite offense and stout defense while boosted by confidence from their recent victories. Liberty stands out as the favorites to keep their winning streak alive on Saturday . 

Jim's Play: 603. Liberty  

On June 10th, 2025, the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream will meet again for the WNBA Commissioner's Cup as they prepare for their third matchup of the season which fans eagerly await. The current series record stands at 1-1 after both matches displayed intense competition that highlights the equal level of play between these teams. The Fever won 81-76 against the Dream on May 23rd after the Dream achieved a narrow 91-90 victory over the Fever on May 21st which demonstrates their intense rivalry.

The Indiana Fever aims to continue their positive progression after breaking a losing streak with a strong victory against the Chicago Sky while Caitlin Clark was out injured though she might play in this matchup. DeWanna Bonner's offensive and defensive contributions demonstrate the Fever's roster depth and resilience. The team has maintained a strong offensive efficiency that places them at fourth position in the WNBA while their overall net rating stands impressively at +10.8. The Fever transformed their roster during the offseason by bringing in experienced leaders and defensive players to position themselves for a strong playoff run in 2025.

The Atlanta Dream began their 2025 season strongly with a 5-3 record. Dream head coach Karl Smesko implemented modern offensive strategies that prioritize shooting and spacing to create better playing opportunities for standout players Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. The team fortified their frontcourt with Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones during the offseason which gave their struggling 2024 offense a significant boost. The Dream began their season with promise but their defense has proven slightly weaker than the Fever's by allowing 81.0 points per game while the Fever allows just 76.4 points per game. Both teams will compete intensely to improve their standing in the Commissioner's Cup while strengthening their positions within the WNBA hierarchy.

I look for a defensive battle here today. I'm taking the UNDER. 

Jim's Play: 621. Fever/Dream UNDER 160.5 

Tonight, the Golden State Valkyries will face the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena in a Commissioner's Cup matchup. The Valkyries, currently 2-4, are looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Their offense has struggled, ranking last in the league with an average of 74.0 points per game and shooting percentages of 36.8% from the field and 27.5% from beyond the arc. However, they have been solid on the boards, averaging 36.0 rebounds per game, tied for fourth in the league. Key contributors include Kayla Thornton, who averages 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and Veronica Burton, who adds 12.0 points and 4.2 assists per game.  

The Phoenix Mercury, with a 5-3 record, are also coming off a loss but have been strong defensively, allowing just 76.9 points per game, third-best in the league. Their offense averages 77.9 points per game, with Satou Sabally leading the team at 20.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. The Mercury are dealing with injuries to key players, including Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, which may impact their performance.  

This game marks the first regular-season meeting between the two teams, following a preseason matchup won by the Valkyries. Both teams are looking to gain momentum in the Commissioner's Cup standings, with the Mercury currently at 1-0 and the Valkyries at 0-1 in Cup play.

Jim's Play: 603. GS Valkyries +6.5

Tonight at 8:00 p.m. the Phoenix Mercury will battle the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis. ET. The Commissioner's Cup matchup brings together the undefeated Lynx (7-0) who host the Mercury (5-2) after their recent 74-71 defeat to Minnesota.

Minnesota keeps advancing their strong season performance through MVP candidate Napheesa Collier who produces an average of 26.8 points per game while making significant contributions on both offense and defense. Early in the season the Lynx have proven themselves formidable because they possess both strong offensive and defensive capabilities.

Phoenix enters a transitional season with Diana Taurasi retired and Brittney Griner having departed. The Mercury brought in crucial team members Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas as part of their roster restructure. Satou Sabally stands out as Phoenix's top scorer by averaging 21.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Thomas Natasha Mack and Kahleah Copper will miss tonight's game because of injuries.

Both teams should get plenty of points in this one tonight. I'll be on the OVER. 

Jim's Play: 629. Phx Mercury / Min Lynx OVER 

On June 1st, 2025 at the Chase Center in San Francisco the Minnesota Lynx will compete against the Golden State Valkyries. Both teams launch their 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup season with this game.

The Minnesota Lynx begin the game with a flawless 6-0 record demonstrating strong defensive capabilities alongside a well-rounded offensive approach. The team averages 84.2 points per game while permitting 76.3 points per game from opponents. Napheesa Collier's current status is questionable because of a knee issue and Kayla McBride's recent 20-point performance in a win against Phoenix Mercury have both been vital to their team's achievements.

The Valkyries who are playing their first season currently stand at a 2-3 record. Their recent performance demonstrated potential when they lost to the New York Liberty by just 82-77. Janelle Salaun who is playing her rookie season stands out with averages of 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. The team faces offensive challenges with a 73.8 points per game average and a three-point shooting percentage of 27.7%.

The Lynx have a great defense and the Valkaryies have struggled on offense. That will have me taking this game under the total. 

Jim's Play: 625. Lynx/Valkaryies UNDER 161.5

The Chicago Sky face the Dallas Wings once more on Saturday, May 31 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas when the game tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Sky earned their season debut victory against the Wings with a narrow 97–92 win in Chicago before facing them again two days later.

Kamilla Cardoso led Chicago to victory in Thursday's game with 23 points and eight rebounds while Courtney Vandersloot provided nine assists. The Sky achieved victory with key contributions from their frontcourt duo Cardoso and Angel Reese who secured nine rebounds. The Sky must continue to uphold their defensive intensity to shut down Dallas's prolific offense.

Dallas's record stands at 1–5 and they face a major setback because rookie guard Paige Bueckers is sidelined in the WNBA's concussion protocol and will not play in the upcoming two games. Bueckers provided essential contributions to the team by averaging 14.7 points and delivering 6.7 assists along with 4.5 rebounds per game. The Wings' offense will now depend heavily on All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale who had an impressive 37-point performance during Thursday's defeat because of Bueckers' absence. The Dallas Wings need Myisha Hines-Allen and DiJonai Carrington to elevate their performances while Bueckers is sidelined.

Huge loss for the Wings with Bueckers missing today's contest. And as such, I don't expect to see much offense from Dallas here. I'm taking this game UNDER.

Jim's Play: 617. Chi Sky / Dal Wings UNDER 173.5

The undefeated Minnesota Lynx (5-0) will play against the Phoenix Mercury (4-1) tonight at PHX Arena starting at 10:00 p.m. ET on ION.

The Lynx have shown strong performance throughout this season with forward Napheesa Collier leading the charge by averaging 26.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in each game. The Minnesota Lynx offense stands as the second-ranked team in the league with an average score of 86.2 points per game from a 47% shooting percentage which includes 35.4% accuracy from three-point range. The team has a formidable defense that limits opponents to 77.4 points per game. The Lynx won their latest game against the Seattle Storm with a final score of 82-77 while Courtney Williams gathered 23 points and Collier reached a double-double by scoring 16 points and pulling in 10 rebounds.

The Mercury aim to keep their flawless home game streak going. The Mercury leads the league defensively by giving up just 74.6 points per game. Phoenix's offensive production totals 80.4 points each game through Satou Sabally's average of 19.8 points and 7.4 rebounds coupled with Alyssa Thomas who brings in 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. Phoenix Mercury won their latest match against the Chicago Sky by overcoming a 16-point deficit to end with a score of 94-89 thanks to Sabally's 20 points and rookie Kitija Laksa's season-best 18 points.

Tonight's game could be impacted by player injuries. Guard Kahleah Copper and forward Natasha Mack will not play for the Mercury. Forward N.Collier (knee) is questionable for the Lynx and if she misses that will be a big loss for the team. 

The way Phoneix plays at home coupled with their excellent defense should keep them close in this game with a good chance to get the upset win and give the Lynx their first loss. 

Jim's Play: 616. Phx Mercury +4

The Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm face off tonight at Climate Pledge Arena with distinct team capabilities and opposing performance trends.

The Dream enters this contest with momentum from a three-game winning streak that takes their record to 4-2. The Dream scores powerfully with an average of 84.5 points per game making them the fourth highest-scoring team in the league. Allisha Gray plays a crucial role for her team by averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while maintaining a shooting percentage of 48.7% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range. Atlanta's interior strength has improved with Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones joining the team which has resulted in strong rebounding performance including third-place defensive rebound percentage at 79.6%.

The Storm have won three games and lost two but remains unbeaten at home this season. The Storm's defensive performance stands as a key strength by permitting only 77 points per game which puts them third in WNBA defensive rankings. The team scores 79 points per game on average with both Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike delivering 19 points per game. Seattle Storm's home defense stands out with a powerful +27 point differential across two games.

Brittney Griner from Atlanta is currently day-to-day with injuries and Jordin Canada remains sidelined. The Seattle Storm will be without Katie Lou Samuelson for the entire season after she tore her ACL.

The matchup between Atlanta's improved offense and Seattle's strong home defense is set to be a closely fought contest. 

I'll take the hosts in this one tonight. 

Jim's Play: 612. Sea Storm -5.5

Tonight's matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun features both franchises seeking to improve their recent poor performances. Indiana goes into the match with two wins and three losses after losing back-to-back games including a tight defeat against the Washington Mystics with a score of 83-77 last Wednesday. The Fever must adapt to playing without Caitlin Clark because her left quadriceps strain has forced her to sit out. Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have stepped up to fill the void with Mitchell averaging 17.0 points and Boston producing 16.8 points and 10.0 rebounds each game. Coming off the bench in their defeat to Washington, DeWanna Bonner who joined the team from the Sun scored 21 points.

The Sun currently stand winless at 0-5 following their 109-87 loss to the Dallas Wings. Connecticut ranks last in scoring with 71.8 points per game while allowing 88.2 points per game which puts them near the bottom in defense. Tina Charles leads the team with 17 points and 6.6 rebounds each game while Marina Mabrey contributes 14 points and 3.2 assists per match.

With Clark out for the Fever and the poor offense of the Sun, I look for this game to be lower scoring. I'll take the UNDER here tonight. 

Jim's Play: 609. Sun/Fever UNDER 157.5

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., the Indiana Fever will play the Washington Mystics at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. The change from Capital One Arena to a new venue has been necessitated by ongoing renovations and the expected increase in crowd numbers. The Fever must play without Caitlin Clark who has been sidelined due to a left quadriceps strain that will keep her out for a minimum of two weeks.

Indiana faces major challenges without Caitlin Clark because she tops the league in assists and ranks eighth in scoring. However, this is a talented Indiana team that has lots of depth.  The Fever expects top players Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to take on bigger roles. Boston has controlled the paint with strong averages of 18.5 points and 10.8 rebounds each game and Kelsey Mitchell needs to step up in scoring and playmaking.

The Mystics are trying to end their run of three consecutive defeats. The team maintained late-game leads during their losses but failed to secure victories in those matches. The rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have stood out with meaningful performances during their first seasons. The team must manage their roster issues as Georgia Amoore sits out from a knee injury and Shakira Austin remains questionable following a concussion.

The two teams aim to build momentum during the early part of the season. Without Clark the Fever must adapt their offensive strategies while increasing their dependence on Boston's inside play and Mitchell's outside shots. The Mystics will use their home-court advantage to take advantage of any changes the Fever need to make. Even without Clark I still believe the Fever have the talent and depth to win and cover here tonight. 

Jim's Play: 601. Fever -2.5

The Seattle Storm will face the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. This early-season matchup features two of the WNBA's top teams: The Minnesota Lynx entered the matchup with a perfect 4–0 record while the Seattle Storm approached the game following three consecutive wins to reach a 3–1 season record.

The Lynx maintain their dominant start to the season with Napheesa Collier leading the way as she scores an average of 29.5 points per game. Minnesota ranks third in league scoring with an average of 87.3 points per game while maintaining solid defensive performance by permitting opponents 77.5 points per game. The success the team has achieved early in the season stems from their evenly distributed offensive approach combined with strong rebounding efforts.

Seattle recently defeated the Las Vegas Aces with a decisive 102–82 win. Nneka Ogwumike put up 23 points and eight rebounds as Skylar Diggins-Smith added 19 points and eight assists. The Storm has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities with their opponents scoring only 76.0 points per game which ranks second in the league.

This matchup may be influenced by injuries to key players. Seattle's Katie Lou Samuelson will miss the game because of a knee injury while Lynx guard Kayla McBride has been upgraded to probable with personal reasons.

Expect a competitive showdown between two leading teams in the league.

Jim's Play: 630. Min Lynx 

The Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky will compete at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night while both teams aim to overcome their initial poor performance this season. The Chicago team begins at an 0–2 record while Los Angeles holds a 1–3 standing. Point spreads show the Sparks as 4.5-point favorites but the more interesting betting option might be the total points line which stands at 159.5. The under looks like a smart choice because both teams struggle offensively.

The Chicago offense produces only 66 points per game while shooting poorly from the field at 32.4%, the lowest percentage in the league. Angel Reese has shown difficulty in her first two games by maintaining a shooting percentage of 23% and committing 10 turnovers. The Sky need to redefine their offensive strategy after losing essential scorers Kahleah Copper and Chennedy Carter during their roster changes. The new players Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins are in the process of adapting to their roles while rookie Hailey Van Lith learns to navigate the professional game.

The Sparks have improved their offensive performance but are still trying to find their game rhythm. Although they score an average of 79.5 points per game their performance remains erratic because forward Cameron Brink has been sidelined with an injury. Kelsey Plum scores 26.7 points per game to lead the team while Dearica Hamby adds 16.3 points and nine rebounds each game. The Sparks have faced challenges in discovering dependable scoring alternatives beyond their two leading scorers.

Past games between these two teams typically resulted in lower point totals. Ten out of their past 14 encounters saw totals fall below expectations and their most recent six games in Los Angeles concluded with totals that went under. The historical pattern and current scoring difficulties faced by both teams support the decision to bet the under on 159.5 points.

Jim's Play: 619. Chi Sky / LA Sparks UNDER 

The Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream face off this Saturday, May 24, at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, with tipoff set for 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT).

The Wings search for their first victory after a 0-3 start to the season. Though they began slowly, the team displayed progress in their close 85-81 defeat against the Minnesota Lynx. In that game Paige Bueckers achieved her first career double-double with her performance of 12 points and 10 assists while Arike Ogunbowale scored the most points for her team with 21 points.

The Dream suffered a defeat against the Indiana Fever with a final score of 81-76 leaving them at 1-2 in the standings. Rhyne Howard scored 24 points to lead the Dream in their recent match. Head coach Karl Smesko has introduced a new system to the Dream that prioritizes perimeter shooting and spacing.

The match offers a captivating study of two teams seeking to define their early-season identities while undergoing transitions. I like the the Dream here on Saturday to take this matchup. 

Take: Atl Dream

The Michelob ULTRA Arena will be the site of tonight's game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Washington Mystics which starts at 10:00 p.m. ET. Two strong offenses will compete tonight in a game that points towards scoring above the estimated total of 167 points.

The Mystics (2–1) have demonstrated strong offensive performance by scoring an average of 86 points per game and maintaining shooting percentages of 46.6% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range. Brittney Sykes maintains the top position for the team by scoring an average of 26.3 points and making 5 assists per game which includes a standout 30-point effort during their recent defeat against the Golden State Valkyries. The rookie duo Kiki Iriafen along with Sonia Citron have made important contributions to their team with averages of 13.7 and 14.7 points per game respectively.

The Aces (1–1) recently achieved a commanding 87–62 win against the Connecticut Sun. The reigning MVP A'ja Wilson is producing an average of 26.5 points and 13 rebounds in each game. The win featured Jewell Loyd scoring 20 points which demonstrated the team's strong offensive lineup. The Las Vegas team has demonstrated strong scoring capabilities by averaging 82.5 points per game while delivering substantial offensive performances.

The combined offensive strengths and recent game performances make the over bet on total points a sound choice for this evening's matchup.

Jim’s Play: Over the Total.

The Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks are set to face off on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Both teams enter the game with 1-0 records, making this early-season matchup a compelling test for two squads with contrasting trajectories. 

The Lynx, fresh off a 99-84 road win over the Dallas Wings, continue to build on the momentum from their 2024 WNBA Finals appearance. Napheesa Collier led the charge with 34 points, while Courtney Williams added 25 points and nine assists. Minnesota's offense was efficient, shooting over 50% from the field and recording 27 assists. Defensively, they held Dallas to 45% shooting and won the turnover battle.  

The Sparks, under new head coach Lynne Roberts, began their season with an 84-67 victory against the Golden State Valkyries. Kelsey Plum, acquired in a major offseason trade, scored 37 points in her debut, including 26 in the second half. Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively. Los Angeles forced 22 turnovers and limited the Valkyries to 36% shooting.  

This game presents a contrast between the Lynx's established core and the Sparks' revamped roster. Minnesota's continuity and defensive prowess will be tested against Los Angeles' new offensive schemes and Plum's scoring ability. The matchup between Collier and Plum could be pivotal in determining the outcome.

I’ll take this game over after both teams scored in the 80’s in their first games. 

Jim’s Play: 615. Lynx/Sparks Over 

Washington Mystics take on Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena with the game starting at 1 p.m. today. ET. Two teams experiencing important changes face off in a matchup that experts predict will lead to high scoring while seasoned handicapper Jim Feist favors the over.

The Mystics gained momentum after defeating the Atlanta Dream 94-90 by executing an efficient offensive strategy that achieved shooting rates over 50% both from the field and beyond the arc. Brittney Sykes scored 22 points as she led her team to victory while rookie Sonia Citron emerged as a standout performer with 19 points in her first game. The Mystics showed depth and scoring versatility even without injured key players Georgia Amoore, Aaliyah Edwards, and Shakira Austin.

The Sun have introduced a new lineup with head coach Rachid Meziane at the helm. Tina Charles returns to Connecticut as an experienced player with last season's averages of 14.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Marina Mabrey continues to serve as an essential offensive player since she averaged 14.9 points per game during the previous season. The Sun proved their scoring potential during the preseason by defeating the reigning champion New York Liberty.

The Mystics have been performing well offensively while the Sun's revamped team wants to establish themselves as a powerful unit making today's over bet very attractive. The offensive abilities and drive of both teams suggest a high-scoring matchup which matches Feist's preference for betting on the over. 

Jim’s Play: Take: 613. Mystics/Sun OVER 

On Friday, May 16 the WNBA's 2025 season begins with a significant game when the Los Angeles Sparks play against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. The Valkyries make their first regular-season appearance in this game which brings professional women's basketball back to the Bay Area for the first time since the Sacramento Monarchs folded in 2009 .

The Sparks begin their season with both a new roster and revitalized goals. Los Angeles undertook major organizational changes after ending 2024 with the league's poorest performance record by hiring Lynne Roberts as their new head coach from her position at the University of Utah. The team added three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to their roster with the goal of strengthening their backcourt presence while reuniting with standout Dearica Hamby who produced 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season. Rickea Jackson who was chosen for the 2024 All-Rookie Team will play an essential role in leading the team's comeback.

The WNBA's newest team since 2008 Golden State has built substantial anticipation ahead of their first game. Community support for the Valkyries has been demonstrated through their sale of more than 10,000 season tickets. The WNBA's first Asian American head coach Natalie Nakase manages a team with experienced guard Tiffany Hayes who received the 2024 Sixth Woman of the Year award and forward Kayla Thornton who won a championship with the New York Liberty last season. Despite being newcomers, the team showed signs of future competitiveness in their preseason when they suffered a close game defeat by the Sparks with a score of 83-82.

The debut matchup between these two teams gives insight into how the WNBA continues to develop as they both work to define their team identities. The Sparks aim to overcome their difficult past season as the Valkyries attempt to impress their local fans during their debut game.

Take: 605. Sparks

It's game five of the WNBA Finals and it's winner take all here today for the Championship between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty. The Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, who has been averaging 23.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during the Finals, are known for their resilience and efficient playmaking. They have capitalized on turnovers and maintained steady defensive pressure. Collier has been instrumental in their wins, providing consistent scoring and defensive prowess. Additionally, the Lynx's success has hinged on strong ball movement, as they have averaged 21.6 assists per game in the series. On the other hand, the Liberty, anchored by MVP Breanna Stewart, have used their depth and versatile offense to stay competitive. Stewart, with an average of 20.0 points and 8.8 rebounds, has been a key figure on both ends of the court. The Liberty's defense has also been a crucial factor, forcing the Lynx into high turnover counts, including a dominant defensive showing in Game 2 where they forced 20 turnovers. New York has also been excellent on the boards, regularly outrebounding Minnesota and excelling in second-chance points. New York has the talent and home court advantage. However, the Lynx have been the scrappy bunch in these playoffs and have experience and Championships on their side. I will take the Lynx plus the points in this final game of the WNBA Championship.

 As the New York Liberty lead the WNBA Finals 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Friday, October 18, 2024, against the Minnesota Lynx, the stakes are incredibly high for both teams. New York is just one win away from capturing their first WNBA championship, while Minnesota must win to force a decisive Game 5. The Liberty's depth and versatility have been instrumental throughout the series. Breanna Stewart has been outstanding, consistently leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Her ability to score inside and stretch the floor with her shooting has made it difficult for Minnesota's defense to focus solely on stopping Sabrina Ionescu. Jonquel Jones' presence in the paint has been equally crucial. She leads the team in rebounding and provides a steady defensive presence. For Minnesota, this is a must-win situation. They won the first game of the series in dramatic fashion, overcoming an 18-point deficit in overtime, but struggled in Games 2 and 3 as New York's defense tightened up. The Lynx's biggest strength lies in their three-point shooting, led by Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton, both of whom were instrumental in their earlier win. The Liberty have the momentum, and their deep roster gives them an edge. However, Minnesota's resilience cannot be discounted, and their home-court advantage will give them a big boost. I'm going to take the points at home on Friday with the Lynx.

The WNBA Finals Game 3 matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty on October 16, 2024, promises to be pivotal in the series. The series is currently tied 1-1, with Minnesota pulling off a remarkable comeback in Game 1, overcoming an 18-point deficit to win 95-93 in overtime. Napheesa Collier's clutch performance was key, alongside Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. The Liberty bounced back in Game 2 with an 80-66 win, thanks to Breanna Stewart's strong play. Expect Game 3 to be highly competitive. This one looks to be another close game, but I give the edge to Minnesota here as they hold home court. They have already proved that they can come back from big deficits. Take Minnesota. 

The WNBA Finals matchup between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx promises to be an exciting contest between the two best WNBA teams. The Liberty, led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, finished the regular season with a league-best 32-8 record. They dominated the playoffs, defeating the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals to reach their second consecutive Finals appearance. The Liberty are still seeking their first-ever WNBA title, despite being one of the original WNBA franchises. On the other hand, the Minnesota Lynx, with a strong playoff performance, reached the Finals after a thrilling five-game series against the Connecticut Sun. The Lynx, spearheaded by Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, are aiming for a record-breaking fifth championship, having already won four titles between 2011 and 2017. Despite being the No. 2 seed, the Lynx defeated the Liberty in three of their four regular-season matchups, including the Commissioner's Cup. The Liberty have more firepower on offense, the Lynx have the better defense plus all those WNBA Titles and playoff experience. This will come down to which team can impose their will, the Liberty and their high-octane offense or the Lynx and the stifling defense. For me, six points on the dog that plays great defense is too much to pass on. Take Minnesota. 

 For the WNBA Semifinals matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun on October 6, 2024, the Lynx are in a strong position, leading the series 2-1 and needing just one more win to advance to the Finals. The Lynx have been the highest-scoring team in the semifinals, averaging 88.0 points per game, with Napheesa Collier leading the charge, averaging over 26 points per game in the postseason. Their offense is supported by perimeter shooters like Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton, making Minnesota a potent threat from beyond the arc. On the other side, the Connecticut Sun are in a must-win situation. Despite a balanced offensive roster featuring players like Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones, Connecticut has struggled to find a consistent go-to scorer late in games. Marina Mabrey has been the Sun's top scorer in the postseason, averaging 18.6 points per game, but their defense-first strategy, allowing just 77.4 points per game, has not been able to slow down Minnesota's high-paced attack. I don't count out the Sun at home with such a good defense. They need to do better then last time and I fully expect it here on Sunday. I'll take the Sun to even the series.

The highly anticipated WNBA semifinal matchup between the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces on October 6, 2024, will be pivotal as the Liberty lead the series 2-1. The Liberty have been one of the top teams this season, boasting a 36-10 record. With star performances from MVP-candidate Breanna Stewart and dynamic guard Sabrina Ionescu, they are averaging 85.7 points per game. The Aces, defending champions, are not far behind with a 30-15 record. A'ja Wilson leads their charge, but they must overcome their Game 3 loss to stay alive in this do-or-die contest. Both teams have elite offenses, making this matchup a high-stakes thriller. The Aces won't go down easily as I expect them to have a great game here on Sunday. The defending champions will tie this series up on Sunday. Play Las Vegas.

The Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun face off in Game 3 of their WNBA semifinals series on Friday, October 4, 2024. The series is tied 1-1, making this a crucial matchup. The Lynx have shown strong offensive output in the postseason, ranking second in scoring with 87.5 points per game. They also boast a dynamic perimeter offense, with Bridget Carleton leading from beyond the arc. Napheesa Collier remains a key player for Minnesota, but she struggled in Game 2, scoring only nine points, and the Lynx will need her to step up to overcome Connecticut's defensive pressure. On the other hand, the Sun rely heavily on their defense, which was the best in the regular season and has carried into the playoffs, allowing just 74.3 points per game. Their star, Alyssa Thomas, continues to excel with all-around contributions, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game in the postseason. Marina Mabrey has been a standout, especially from deep, averaging 19.8 points and 4.0 made three-pointers per game. Connecticut's ability to slow down Collier and their defensive intensity will be crucial factors in Game 3. Connecticut is slightly favored due to their top-tier defense and ability to control the pace. I expect a tight contest with two exceptional teams. I do like defense in the postseason and the Sun have that at its best. I'll take the Sun with this short line on Friday. Play Connecticut.

This best of five playoff series between the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx has the Lynx down 0-1 after their 70-73 loss to the Sun in game one. The Sun, led by veteran stars like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, have been consistent all season with their disciplined defense and efficient offense. Connecticut's versatility and balanced scoring have made them one of the top teams in the league. Minnesota, on the other hand, has relied heavily on Napheesa Collier's leadership and performance. While the Lynx had moments of inconsistency throughout the season, they've shown resilience and tenacity in big games. They will need that here in game two as they cannot lose the first two games at home and hope to win this series. The Sun have one of the best defenses in the league, which could be crucial in limiting Collier's impact. If the Lynx can slow the game and minimize turnovers, they could stay competitive. I expect Minnesota to put forth a great effort here on Tuesday in an effort to avoid the 0-2 mark and going back to Connecticut facing elimination. This is a must win spot for the Lynx and I'll take them to even the series. Play Minnesota.

The Indiana Fever face off against the Connecticut Sun in a pivotal contest on Wednesday with the Fever facing elimination in this best of three series. The Connecticut Sun have been one of the stronger teams in the WNBA this season, consistently contending at the top of the standings, while the Fever have been working through a rebuilding phase. However, betting analysis hinges on whether Indiana can cover the spread rather than outright winning, which provides a more nuanced outlook. The Sun have been a top-tier defensive team, allowing some of the fewest points per game (PPG) while scoring efficiently. They've been led by stars like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, who have been impactful on both ends of the floor. The Fever have improved over their disappointing 2023 season. Rookie stars like Aliyah Boston have shown promise, and the development of Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith has boosted their offense. Caitlin Clark just garnered her Rookie of the Year award and did suffer an injured eye in game one but will play here today. Indiana has shown that they can stay within single-digit deficits against top teams, particularly if Boston can dominate the paint and the Fever's outside shooting (via Kelsey Mitchell) can create separation from Connecticut's defenders. Indiana will need their shooting to come back in this game and Clark to step up her game after a tough opener. I look for the Fever to cover here tonight in game two.

A pair of playoff bound teams meet here on Wednesday as the Indiana Fever host the defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces.  The Aces, led by MVP contender A'ja Wilson, are sitting at 22-13, while the Fever, featuring rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, are 19-17 and both teams are fighting for playoff positioning. Las Vegas has struggled slightly in recent games, particularly offensively, averaging 81 points per game in their last three outings. They are coming off a 75-71 loss to the New York Liberty, where their typically potent offense underperformed. Despite this, the Aces boast the league's top-ranked offense overall, with Wilson averaging a league-best 27.3 points per game. Indiana, meanwhile, has been on an offensive tear, averaging 97 points per game over their last five. Clark, who is averaging 19.2 points and 8.5 assists per game, has led the Fever alongside Aliyah Boston, who recently put up a monster 30-point, 13-rebound performance. However, the Fever's defense has been shaky, giving up 87.3 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Both teams are strong from beyond the arc, with Indiana shooting 35.2% and Las Vegas 34.9% from three-point range. The Fever's improved offense, combined with their home-court advantage, has them looking to upset the defending champions in what could be a high-scoring contest?. I'll take the Fever here on Wednesday. 

The WNBA regular season now in its final stretch. The LA Sparks are done as they are eliminated. They have the worst record in the WNBA with a 7-28 mark. They average just 78.6 ppg this season and have a -7.8 point differential. The Connecticut Sun still playing for playoff positioning. They have secured a playoff spot with their 25-10 mark and sit their right now. But the 2nd place Lynx are just one game ahead of them and the Aces are three games back. So second place not out of the question. The Sun have shown both defensive tenacity and offensive efficiency. The team boasts an elite balance of veterans and younger talent, making them formidable in all aspects of the game. Connecticut's strength lies in its defense. They rank among the league's best in terms of defensive efficiency, making it tough for opponents to find their rhythm. In addition, their ability to control the boards. I don't expect the Sparks to get much against this stingy Sun defense. And as such I'll be on the UNDER in this contest for Tuesday.

 The WNBA matchup between the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday features the 2nd place Sun vs the 5th place Storm. Both teams have already secured playoff spots. The Sun are 2.5 games back of first place NY Liberty for the top spot and a half game ahead of 3rd place Minnesota. The Connecticut Sun are known for their strong defense and balanced scoring. They have consistently been a playoff contender and are looking to solidify their position in the standings as the regular season winds down. The Sun are particularly tough at home, where their disciplined play and deep roster give them an edge over most opponents. The Storm are one game back of the LV Aces for 4th place in the standings but a comfortable 2.5 games ahead of 6th place Indiana. Both teams are good defensively, but the Sun are the top defensive team in the league and I look for that to be the key here today as they shut down the Storm. Play Connecticut.

WNBA matchup here on Friday between the Atlanta Dream and defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces. The Aces, led by MVP candidate A'ja Wilson, are looking to bounce back from a recent slump. The Aces have dropped to fifth in the WNBA standings with a 18-12 record. However, they are coming off a loss at Dallas, 90-93 and have lost three of their last four games and five of their last seven games. Despite their offensive struggles, they remain a strong team with solid contributions from Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. The Dream, plagued by injuries throughout the season, are fighting to stay in playoff contention. Atlanta has lost three straight games and are 3-7 their last 10 games. They have dropped to 9th in the WNBA standings, one game back of Chicago for that final playoff spot. These are two teams struggling. Vegas laying a lot of points here on Friday and for me I'll take those points with Atlanta even though they likely will lose outright. Play Atlanta.

The Washington Mystics travel to Chicago tonight to face the Sky. The Sky are just barely holding onto that last playoff spot as they are one game ahead of the Atlanta Dream for 8th place. The Mystics are coming off a surprising win against the Seattle Storm, which has given them a boost of confidence. However, they have struggled throughout the season. Offensively, Brittney Sykes and Ariel Atkins have been key contributors, but the team has been inconsistent, leading to their 8-22 record. The Sky are fighting for the final playoff spot and will be highly motivated in this game. However, they face a significant challenge with the absence of Chennedy Carter due to health protocols, which impacts their offense. The Sky have been inconsistent as well, particularly since the Olympic break, and their defense will need to step up to keep them competitive in this game. Given the Sky's struggles without Carter and the Mystics' recent momentum, this game is expected to be low-scoring and close. Take the UNDER.

The Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream face off in WNBA action here on Monday evening. The Fever have played well since the Olympic break and are now in 7th place in the WNBA standings with a 13-16 record. The Fever have been solid offensively this season, led by standout performances from players like Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. Indiana's offense is averaging 82.6 points per game, placing them among the top teams in the league in scoring. However, their defense has been a bit of a concern, allowing 87 points per game. Despite their defensive struggles, the Fever's ability to score consistently, particularly with Clark leading the charge, should give them another great shot here today. As for Atlanta, the Dream are sitting in 9th place with a 10-18 record. They trail that final playoff spot by just a half game behind the Chicago Sky. The Dream have lost three straight games and seven of their last 10 though. Expect the dream to go all out at home tonight as they can no longer afford to give away games in their chase of that final playoff spot. As for me, this looks to be a high scoring game with Indiana pushing the tempo. I'll take the over.

The Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics face off today in the WNBA. The Storm are 5th in the WNBA standings with a +5.5 point differential. They have also won six of their last 10 games. The Washington Mystics are tied for last in the WNBA with the LA Sparks at 6-21. The Mystics have a -5.2 point differential and have lost their last four games and eight of their last 10 games. The Storm will try to snap their two game losing skid since returning from the Olympic break. They are coming off a loss to the Indiana Fever, 75-92. The Mystics have dropped four straight and allow a whopping 90.8 ppg during this four game losing streak, up from their season average of 84.2 ppg. The last time these clubs met back on May 25th the Storm trounced the Mystics, 101-69. The Storm are in need of a win and this Mystics club looks like the team that will provide it. I'm taking Seattle here against a very bad Washington defense.

 First week back for the WNBA after nearly a month off for the Olympics. We have the Seattle Storm at 17-9 with a +6.4 point differential. Storm are fourth overall in the WNBA Standings. The Storm are coming off a loss at Atlanta in their first game back, 81-83. Indiana came out fast and furious in its first game back, running wire-to-wire in their win over Phoenix, 98-89. The Fever are 7th in the WNBA standings with a 12-15 record and -4.9 point differential. Seattle is third in the league in scoring with a 84.2 ppg average. They are also 4th in scoring defense as they allow 77.8 ppg. Indiana won its third game in the last four. They led by 17 over Phoenix at the half. They are 5th in scoring offense with a 82.4 ppg average. Indiana seems to be playing well out of the break with rookie Caitlin Clark developing into a excellent leader on the court. Fever are a small home dog here on Sunday and I'll be taking those points. Play Indiana.

The WNBA returns from their Olympic break as Washington Mystics take on the Minnesota Lynx tonight. The Lynx are 3rd in the WNBA with a 17-8 record and +6.2 point differential. The Washington Mystics have had a terrible start to their season but have played better in recent weeks before the break. They are 6-19 and tied for last in the WNBA. This will be the first game of a two game series between these clubs with the next meeting on Saturday. The break allowed teams to get healthy and both teams will be at full capacity tonight. The Lynx Cheryl Reeve was the head coach for the women's Olympic team as they returned with the Gold Medal. The Lynx will finish the regular season with nine of their final 15 on the road and against teams with winning record. Washington is a decent dog here tonight and with everyone having had time off you have to feel it will take a few games for the players and coaches to get back into the flow. I'm taking the points in this one with Washington.

The Chicago Sky have lost two straight games but still won five their last 10 games to climb into the final playoff spot in the WNBA with a 9-14 overall record. The Sky average 78.7 ppg while allowing 81 ppg for a -2.3 point differential. The defending WNBA Champion Aces are not having as successful a season as in the past few years but still are in 3rd overall with a 16-7 record. They are 3.5 games back of first place NY Liberty. The Aces average 88.9 ppg while allowing 82.6 ppg for a +6.3 point differential. This will be the final game for both teams before the WNBA ALL-Star break. This will also be the 2nd meeting of the season between the teams with the Aces having won the first meeting by 12 points in Chicago. Chicago will have rookie Angel Reese as their only representative at the All-Star game. She leads the league in rebounding with a 12.0 rpg average. Reese also averages 13.5 points per game and her streak of 16 consecutive double doubles came to end in her last game. The Aces are led by A'ja Wilson's 27.2 ppg and 11.2 rebounders per game. The Aces have four players going to the All-Star game. Aces shouldn't have any issues getting the "W" here on Tuesday. However, 13 points or thereabout might be a bit high. I'll take the points and look for Chicago to slide in under the number. 

Early action here on Tuesday in the WNBA slate has the Phoenix Mercury playing at the Washington Mystics. The Phoenix Mercury are in 6th place in the WNBA standings with a 12-12 record. They have lost two straight games and have a -2.5 run differential. The Mystics average 83.3 ppg while allowing 85.8 ppg. The Washington Mystics are 5-18 on the season with a -4.3 point differential. They average 79 ppg and allow 83.3 ppg. The Mystics have split their last two games, losing to Las Vegas last time out 89-77 and winning the game before at Indiana, 89-84. They are led by Ariel Atkins who averages 15.9 ppg. The Mercury had a three-game win streak and now they have lost two straight. The Mercury looks to have turned things around when they won three games in a row and maybe even a dark horse. They have come back down to earth now and here they are laying points at Washington. The Mystics have the offensive power to stay with this poor Mercury defensive team. I'll take the points in this early game on Tuesday. Play Washington.

 WNBA action here On Saturday afternoon has the LA Sparks visiting the Dallas Wings. These are the two bottom teams in the WNBA with the Sparks holding a 5-17 record and the Wings in last place at 5-18. The Sparks average 78.4 ppg while allowing 85.4 ppg for a -7 point differential. They have lost two straight games and nine of their last 10 games. The Wings average 81.1 ppg and allow 89.7 ppg. They have also lost two straight games and eight of their last 10. The Wings are the worst scoring defense in the WNBA and the Sparks are not far behind. Should be a high scoring game here tonight. Good news is that one of these teams will come away with the win and the other will be in last place in the WNBA. I'm taking OVER.

The Phoenix Mercury take on the Indiana Fever here on Friday. The Mercury are in 6th place overall in the WNBA with a 12-10 record and have won three straight games. They also have a -1.1 point differential. The Indiana Fever are just barely holding onto that 8th and final playoff spot with their 9-14 record. They lead 9th place Atlanta by just one game. They also have a -6.6 point differential. This will be the second meeting between these teams since June 30th when the Fever upset the Mercury in Phoenix, 88-82. The Mercury are 3rd in the league in shooting but their defense is not good as the are 9th in scoring defense. The Fever are led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark who is averaging 16.7 ppg and also leads the team in assists with 7.6 per game. Indiana is 7th in scoring this season and fourth in 3-point field goals. Clark's assist leading on this team has gotten her team mates much more involved and has led to a resurgence by the Fever as they are 5-5 their last 10 games. The Mercury will likely be without Guard Diana Taurasi tonight. I'm taking the Fever in this rematch tonight.

 Early schedule today in thee WNBA and this is one of the later afternoon games as the Dallas Wings face the Seattle Storm. The Wings are tied for last in the WNBA with the Mystics and Sparks with a 5-17 record. All three teams are four games back of the Chicago Sky for that final playoff spot. The Mercury are 6th with a 11-10 record and -1.9 point differential. The Wings have split their last two games, beating Atlanta 85-82 and then losing their lats game to Las Vegas, 85-104. They are led by Arike Ogunbowale who averages 23.1 ppg on the season. The Mercury bring a two game win streak into today's contest with wins over the LA Sparks, 84-78 and this Dallas club, 104-96. Neither of these teams are very good on the defensive side of the ball. And with Phoenix just covering vs the Dallas team a few games ago, I look for the Wings to rebound here today and get the cover. Play Dallas.

The Phoenix Mercury travel to LA to face the Sparks here on Sunday WNBA action. The Mercury are 6th in the WNBA standings with a 10-10 record. They are just 3-6 on the road and have a -2.4 overall point differential. The Mercury average 83 ppg with allowing 85.3 ppg. They will face a Sparks team that is 10th right now in the standings. They are three games back of that final playoff spot. The Sparks average 79 ppg while allowing 85.7 for a -6.7 point differential. The Sparks have gone under in two of their last three games and five of their last seven games. Phoenix has also been a decent under play of late, going under in four of its last five games. I'm taking the UNDER in this one on Sunday.

The NY Liberty continue to hold the top spot in the WNBA standings with a 17-3 overall record. The hit the road today where they are 7-2. The Liberty have the best point differential in basketball with a +9.5 mark as they average 87.2 ppg while allowing 77.7 ppg. They have won five of their last six games with the only loss coming in the Commander's Cup to the Lynx, 89-94. If the playoffs where held today, the Indiana Fever would just make it with their 8-13 record. However, Atlanta is hot on their heels for that 8th and final spot. The Fever are coming off a loss at Las Vegas, 69-82, their third loss in their last four games. Kelsey Mitchell, not Caitlin Clark, leads the team in scoring with a 16.6 ppg average. Clark does lead in assists with 7.1 asp. Indiana averages 80.5 ppg but allows 87.7 ppg for a -7.2 point differential. The Fever have the second worst scoring defense and that could be a big issue here against the big scoring Liberty. However, the Fever should get their own scoring done at home too. For me, I'll be on the OVER in this game.

 The Las Vegas Aces host the Washington Mystics here on this Holiday 4th of July. The Aces are the defending WNBA Champion, but are just in 5th place in the league with a 11-6 record. They also have a +4.6 point differential as they score 87.8 ppg while allowing 83.2 ppg. The Washington Mystics started the season 0-12, but have since played much better as they sit 5-15 overall. They have a -3.5 point differential. The Aces bring a five game win streak into today's contest. Washington will be dealing with some major injury issues. The Mystics are coming off a come-from-behind win over the LA Sparks and have won three of their last five games. They will be without one of their top scorers in guard Brittney Sykes and will also miss center Shaira Austin and Karlie Samuelson. Stefanie Dolson has been a top scorer of late but is day to day on the Washington injury report. I don't see Washington scoring much tonight with all their injuries. Take the UNDER.

Two of the top three WNBA teams meet here on Thursday as the Minnesota Lynx host the Connecticut Sun. The Lynx are the winners of the Commissioner's Cup this year and sit in third place in the WNBA with a 14-5 record. They also have the 2nd best point differential with a +8.6 mark. The Sun are in 2nd in the WNBA with a 15-4 record, 1.5 games back of the first place Liberty and one game ahead of the Lynx. The total is low for a WNBA contest in the mid 150's. But that is for good reason as these are the two best defensive teams in the WNBA. Both teams have plenty of defensive weapons to answer any offensive players the clubs will have. Even with this low total, I'm take the UNDER here today.

Two of the bottom teams in the WNBA meet here today as the LA Sparks host the Washington Mystics. The Sparks are 4-14 and in 10th place in the standings. The Sparks have lost seven straight games and have the second worst point differential in the WNBA with a -7.5 mark. The Mystics are 4-15, a half game back of the Sparks and in 11th place. They have a -3.7 point differential. Even though the Mystics have lost two straight to two of the better WNBA teams, they covered both of those games. And, before that they won four out of their last five games. So the Mystics have definitely been playing better of late. Can't say the same for the Sparks. They have lost their last three games by a margin of at least 10-points and their last five by at least nine points. Yet, here tonight they are a small home favorite to the Mystics. I'm sticking with the Mystics in this one as they have shown me much more of late and have done all their winning in the last seven games. Take Washington.

The Connecticut Sun travel West to face the Phoenix Mercury. The Sun are tied for 2nd place in the WNBA standings with Minnesota. Both teams are 1.5-games back of the Liberty. The Sun have the best defense in the WNBA, allowing just 73.1 ppg. The issue though is the offense, which averages just 79.8 ppg, lowest among the top six teams in the league. The Sun have also struggled of late. After going 13-1 to start the season, they have lost three of their last four games including last game vs Atlanta, 74-78. The Phoenix Mercury are 6th in the WNBA with a 9-9 record and can get back above the .500 mark today with a win. They have a -2.4 point differential this season. The Mercury have lost two of their last three games including last game vs Indiana, 82-88. The Sun should be able to use their top defense to hold down the Mercury here today. Plus the Sun just don't put up a lot of points. I'm taking the UNDER.

 The Indiana Fever take on the Phoenix Mercury here on Sunday. The Fever are 9th in the WNBA, just a half game out of that final 8th playoff spot. The Mercury are in 6th place and have a 2 1/2 game lead over the Fever. Indiana average 80.7 ppg while allowing 87.9 ppg for a -7.2 point differential. The Mercury average 82.4 ppg and allow 84.6 ppg for a -2.2 point differential. Fever 1st round pick Caitlin Clark has cooled off just a bit from her start to the season, now averaging 16.2 ppg and a team leading 6.6 assists per game. The Fever are 6th in the WNBA in scoring and their defense ranks last in the WNBA. The Mercury have won three of their last four games. Kahleah Cooper leads the team in scoring with a 22.7 ppg average. Phoenix is 5th in scoring and their defense ranks 8th. This is a game on national TV on ESPN today so should draw lots of attention and Clark will look to showcase her talents. I expect to see both teams score a lot here on Sunday as both teams have poor defensive units. Take the OVER.

The two-time defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces have struggled a bit this year, at least for them. They are 9-6 and have just a +3.2 point differential. They average 87.7 ppg while allowing 84.5 ppg. They will face the last place Washington Mystics. The Mystics are 4-14, but find themselves just three games back of the last playoff spot at this point. They also have a -3.3 point differential. The Mystics have played much better of late. They have won four of their last six games and covered five of those games. Las Vegas is coming off a win over Chicago in their last game, 95-83, covering the 10.5-point line. Meanwhile, Washington lost to the Connecticut Sun in OT, 91-94. The Aces are 2nd in the WNBA in scoring but 8th in the league in defense. Washington lost its first 12 games this season but has come on strong of late. They are a double digit home dog here today and I look for them to stay close to the Aces. Play Washington.

A pair of East teams meet here tonight in the WNBA as the Atlanta Dream travel North to play the Connecticut Sun. The Dream are 6-9 this season and in their in the East and 7th overall in the WNBA. The Dream have a -5 run differential as they scored 75.9 ppg and allow 80.9 ppg this season. The Sun are in 2nd place in the WNBA with a 14-3 overall record and +7.3 point differential. The Sun have the best defense in the league, allowing just 72.8 ppg this season. The Dream have dropped three straight games and fallen below .500 mark. Atlanta is 6th in the league in scoring defense. The Sun are 9th in the WNBA in scoring and fourth in field goal percentage. They are also 11th in 3-point field goals made. Their league leading defense is second in defending the 3-point field goals. Both teams are very good defensively and the Sun are not a great scoring team. I'm taking the UNDER in this game.

Commissioner's Cup on the Line today as the top two statistical teams meet up as the NY Liberty take on the Minnesota Lynx. Each player on the winning team gets $20k each, which in the WNBA is a large amount of incentive to win this game. The Liberty won this Cup in 20203. The NY Liberty come in with the best record in the WNBA at 15-3. The Minnesota Lynx are tied for second with a 13-3 record. The Liberty average 88.1 ppg while allowing 78.4 ppg for a +9.7 point differential. The Lynx average 84.5 ppg while allowing 73.8 ppg for a league best +10.7 point differential. This game features the best team in the East Conference vs the best team in the West. Minnesota has the third best scoring offense in the league and are first in field goal percentage and first in 3-point shooting. The Lynx are also 2nd in the league in defense. The Liberty will be playing their fourth game in the last six nights and that could play a factor here tonight. The Liberty league the league in scoring and are third in defense. The Lynx won the other matchup between these teams this year, 84-67. The Lynx, which are 1st in 3-point defense, held the Liberty to just 7-of-29 from the 3-point arc in that win. I also give the edge here tonight to the Minnesota bench. Big test here for the Lynx tonight. I like the points though and will take them. Play Minnesota.

The Connecticut Sun sit atop the WNBA standings with their 13-2 record. They are coming off only their second loss, that coming at defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas, 74-85. They will face Seattle Storm here today for the first time this season. The Sun are a very small road dog in this one. The Sun average 80.5 ppg while allowing 71.7 ppg for a +8.8 point differential. They will face a 9-6 Seattle Storm here today that sits in fourth in the WNBA, 4.5-games back of the Sun. The Storm have actually lost two straight games. They lost at Phoenix, 78-87, and then lost at Las Vegas, 83-94. They return home here today where they are 4-1 on the season. They average 83.1 ppg while allowing 79.7 ppg for a +3.4 point differential. I'm sticking with the Sun here today as they look to make up for that dismal performance at Vegas in their last game. Take Connecticut.

Saturday WNBA action has a trio of games on tap and today I'm focusing on the Dallas Wings vs the Washington Mystics. These are the two worst teams in the WNBA with the Dallas Wings at 3-11 overall and the Mystics coming in at 2-13. The Wings are 2-6 on the road while the Mystics are 1-5 at home. Washington has a -6.2 point differential and the Wings come in at -5.9. Dallas brings a nine-game losing streak into today's contest at Washington. Yet, the Wings are still a small road favorite. This is a back-to-back spot as the teams will meet again on Sunday. Dallas also got bad news as Maddy Siegrist (14.6 ppg) will be out indefinitely with a broken finger. They will also be without starting center Kalani Brown. The Wings defense ranks 11th with a 86 ppg average. Washington started the season 0-12 and while they are the worst team in the WNBA right now, they won back-to-back games here recently. With injuries for the Wings I'm not sure how they are favored on the road here today. I'm taking Washington who has been playing with much more confidence of late.

Great matchup here tonight on the hard wood as this year's best team so far, the Connecticut Sun, take on the two-time defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces. The Sun are 13-1 and have won four straight after their lone loss of the season. They are 5-0 on thee road and have an overall +10.2 point differential. The LV Aces have struggled out of the gate, at least for them. They are 7-6 and have just a +1.9 point differential. They did however get back Chelsea Gray last game though she is being eased back into the lineup after a long injury absence. The Sun have the best defense in the WNBA, holding opponents to just 70.7 ppg. They are led by DeWanna Bonner, who averages 17.5 ppg and 6.1 rebounds per game. The LV Aces have the top ranked scoring team in the WNBA with a 87.4 ppg average. However, they defense has allowed 85.5 ppg, ranking them ninth in the league. Vegas is just 4-9 ATS on the season while the Sun are 7-7. Should be a great game tonight but I will take the points with the Sun as they look the better option as they can win this game outright. Play Connecticut.

The Seattle Storm travel to Phoenix today to take on the Mercury. The Storm are having a fine season as they are in 4th overall in the WNBA standings with a 9-4 record. They average 83.5 ppg while allowing 78.1 ppg for a +5.4 point differential. The Storm have won two straight games and eight of their last nine games. They are coming off a win over the Dallas Wings, 92-84. They have also beat Phoenix at home this year, 80-62. The Phoenix Mercury are in 6th in the WNBA with a 6-7 record. They average 81.8 ppg but allow 85.8 ppg for a -4 point differential. They have lost six of their last nine game, including their last game at home to Las Vegas, 103-99. Seattle playing well both on offense and defense. They hold opponents to the second lowest field goal shooting in the league and they lead the league in rebounding. Seattle had no trouble with this team in their first meeting and I don't see that changing here in the second meeting today. Seattle just has too much on both ends for this Mercury team. Play Seattle.

The NY Liberty are the 2nd best team in the WNBA this season and having a great year with a 11-2 record. They only trail the Connecticut Sun by a half game for the best record in the WNBA. They also have the 2nd best point differential with a +9.9. The Liberty have also won seven straight games. The defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces are in 5th right now with a 6-5 record. They have a +2 point differential. This is a rematch of the WNBA finals from last year in which Las Vegas won 3 games to 1. New York is the second best scoring team in the WNBA and are second in field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point shooting. They have an excellent defense, ranked 2nd in the league. The Aces have struggled at this year so far. They lost to Minnesota last Tuesday, 86-100 and then won over Phoenix, 103-99. That win snapped a three-game losing streak by the Aces. New York is just the better team at this juncture of the season. And as such, I'll take the few points with the Liberty here today.

Chicago Sky travel to Washington to take on the Mystics here on Friday. The Sky are in 8th place in the WNBA with a 4-7 record. They have a -1.5 point differential, scoring 78.5 ppg and allowing 80.0 ppg. They actually have a winning road record at 3-2 on the season. The Mystics are dead last in the WNBA with a 1-12 record and -6.8 point differential. They average 75.6 ppg (lowest in the WNBA) and allow 82.4 ppg. They are 0-5 at home looking for that first road win of the season. This will be the second meeting between these teams this year. Chicago took the first game, 79-71 at Washington. The Mystics are coming off their first win of the season last Tuesday in a 87-68 road win over Atlanta, ending that 12 game losing streak to start the season. The Sky are very good at defending, in particular the 3-point shots. With the Mystics relying on their 3-point shooting that will be difficult tonight. I'm taking the Sky here on Friday night.

The Connecticut Sun look to stay unbeaten in the WNBA as they host the Washington Mystics tonight. The Sun are 8-0 on the season and in 1st place by 1.5-games over the NY Liberty. They average 80.8 ppg while allowing 70.6 ppg for a +10.2 pint differential. The Sun have the top ranked defense in the league and the 6th ranked offense. The Washington Mystics are 0-8 and looking for their first win of the season tonight. Likely won't happen against this Sun team. The Mystics average 74.4 ppg and allow 83.8 ppg. The Mystic are getting 13.5 points here tonight. Question is will the Sun be motivated to do much more then get the win. The Sun won't lose but I'm looking for the Mystics to slide in under the point spread. Take the points with Washington.

The Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx face off today in WNBA action. The Lynx are 5-2 and in 3rd place in the league. They have averaged 86.3 ppg while allowing 77.6 ppg for a +8.7 point differential. The Wings are in 7th in the league with a 3-3 record. They average 83.7 ppg while allowing 82.3 ppg for a +1.4 point differential. Arike Ogunbowale leads the Wings with 27.5 ppg and 4.7 assists. They shoot 33% from the 3-point arc. The Lynx are led by Napheesa Collier who averages 21 ppg and 10.9 rebounds. I expect both teams to score at or above their averages here today. I'll be on the OVER in this game.

The Minnesota Lynx are in 2nd place overall in the WNBA, 1.5-games back of first place Connecticut Sun. The Lynx have won both games at home and have a +10.2 point differential. They average 88.6 ppg while allowing 78.4 ppg. They will face the defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces. The Aces are 3-1 and in 3rd place, two games back of the Sun. The Aces lead the WNBA in scoring with a 81.3 ppg average while they allow 85 ppg. Both teams playing very well but the Lynx getting 4.5 or 5 points at home where they are 2-0 is more than I can pass on here tonight. I'll take the Lynx plus the points.

Two teams both looking to get off the one win they have will meet here tonight as the Indiana Fever host the LA Sparks. The Indiana Fever have been the talk of the league and have generated more interest then ever seen in the league with Caitlin Clark coming on board. The Number One pick is averaging 15.4 ppg, 5.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Both teams have just one win this season and the Fever beat the Sparks in LA. The Sparks coming off a loss to Dallas, 83-84, despite outscoring the Wings 20-14 in the 4th quarter. The Sparks average 77.8 ppg while allowing 82.2 ppg. Indiana averages 77.4 ppg and allows 90 ppg. I believe this is way too many points for the Fever to lay in any game. They have just one straight up win and now you are asking them to cover this game by six points. I look for a close game that the Fever can win, but not cover this number. Play Los Angeles.

The Indiana Fever finally won a game after starting the season 0-5. Caitlin Clark had her lowest scoring game, just 11 points as she was off her 17 ppg average. The Fever trailed 34-45 at the half, but opened the third quarter on a 16-3 run to take over the game. This was a battle of the top two picks in the WNBA draft this year, 1st pick Caitlin Clark of Indiana vs No 2 pick Cameron Brink. Clark had her first double-double of her WNBA career in the win. The game drew over 19,000 fans to the Crypto.com arena in LA and the crowd was cheering on Clark. The Fever in a tough spot here today as they must play back-to-back and against defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas. Vegas is 2-1 to start the season while Indiana is now 1-5. The Aces average 88.7 ppg and allow 86.7 ppg this season. Indiana averages 77 ppg and allows 88.5 ppg. This one looks to be a high scoring affair and I'll be on the OVER tonight.

 The Caitlin Clark saga continues in Indiana as the first year rookie continue to garner much attention. However, despite her average this year, the Fever are 0-5 on the season. The Fever to hope to get their first win of the season tonight against the 1-2 LA Sparks at the Crypto.com Arena in LA. Clark put up 21 points in their last game, a loss at Seattle, 83-85. Though the Fever did cover the spread in that game. The offense is ranked 11th overall with a 76.8 ppg mark but is giving up 91.6 ppg. Clark is averaging 17.8 ppg and 5.8 assists per game. The Sparks finally got their first win after losing their first two games of the season. They allowed only 68 points in their win over the Washington Mystics. I know the Fever will have to win eventually, but they are favored on the road and haven't won yet. I'll have to see that first win before I can fade points on the road. Play the LA Sparks.

 Caitlin Clark has been the talk of the WNBA this season. After her big run with Iowa in the Women's NCAA Championships, she moved right over into the pro circuit with the Indiana Fever. While Clark's presense might take some time to turn into wins for the Fever, her impact on the seats has been immediate. Not only has she energized the WNBA but the Indiana Fever are drawing fans. However Clark and the Fever are still looking for that first win of the season after an 0-4 start. Tonight could be the night though as they face the 1-3 Seattle Storm. The Fever should have won last game on Monday as Clark scored 17 points to bring the Fever back in the 4th quarter to tie the game with seconds to play. However, a questionable coaching move had Clark on the bench after hitting that game tying layup. The Fever ended up losing in the final seconds despite Clark's excellent second half. So will tonight be their first win? I don't know if they will win, but I'll take the 5.5-points with the Fever against a Seattle team that has just one win and a -6 point differential. Take Indiana.

The NY Liberty are coming off a strong start to their season with a 85-80 win over the Washington Mystics. The Liberty were 32-8 last season and 16-4 in the East. The Liberty have it all, scoring, rebounding and defense and that will make them one of the favorites to win it all this year. The Liberty will face Indiana and Caitlin Clark. Clark scored 20 points but the Fever were beat by Connecticut, 71-92 in their opening game. While the team had impressive offensive numbers they will have to improve on defense as they allowed too many easy scores in their loss. Another tough opponent for the Fever here. I expect the Fever to improve as the season goes along, but against a seasoned, well balanced team like the Liberty they will likely face another double digit loss here tonight. Play New York.

The Indiana Fever were the highlight of the draft when they picked Caitlin Clark overall 1st. Clark made headlines with Iowa in the NCAA tournament and went right into the WNBA with little time off. Does Clark have the Fever on track to win a WNBA title in the next four years. Consider that the the three times in WNBA history that a team has had back-to-back No 1 picks (as the Fever did this year and last) they have won a WNBA title within four years. Now that the preseason is over and the regular season is starting, all eyes will be on Clark. There is no place but up for a Fever team that won 13 games last year. So whatever hype Clark has generated, they will be better. Not Championship better, but much better. The Fever are still a young team and will take time to gel and mature into a possible Championship team. As for the Sun, they are a well oiled machine that has made the playoff semifinals in each of the last five years. They return their core players this year and will be even stronger as they return Brionna Jones from an Achilles injury. They added depth in the off season and should challenge the top teams in the league. The Fever will one day be good, but not good enough right now for this seasoned and deep Sun team. Play Connecticut.

Game 4 of the WNBA Championship Finals from the Barclays Center in New York. Las Vegas can win their second consecutive title with a win here tonight as they lead this series 2-1. The Liberty looking to send this series back to Vegas for a decisive game five. Vegas is led by A'ja Wilson who averages 23.8 ppg and Kelsey Plum's 19.8 ppg. The Aces will be without their star guard in Chelsea Gray, who injured her foot. That's a huge loss to this Aces team. The Liberty are led by Breanna Stewart and her 19.3 ppg and Jonquel Jones and her 18.2 ppg. Vegas is 5-2 ATS their last seven games while New York is 3-8 ATS their last 11 games. Vegas went to a six-point dog once Plum was ruled out for this game. Still, lots of firepower left for Vegas and getting that many points just too much to pass on. I'll take Vegas and the points here tonight.

Game 3 of this WNBA best of five series plays in Uncasville, Connecticut with the teams tied at 1-1. Connecticut took game one, 78-63 at New York then lost game two 77-84. Connecticut has covered the first two games as 8.5 and 8.5 point dogs. The NY Liberty shot just 34% from the field in game one before a 45% night in their win in game two. The Sun have covered the first two of the series and while the line has dropped here in game three, I like the Sun to even win this game outright. The Sun are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games with 2 days of rest. They have also covered five of their last seven at home vs the Liberty. I'll take another shot here with Connecticut.

The Indiana Fever are next to last overall in the WNBA with a 6-17 record. They have lost two straight games and nine of their last 10 games. They also allow the 2nd most points in the WNBA (85.9 ppg). The LA Sparks are in 9th in the WNBA, one game back in the playoff picture. THey have a 8-15 record and trail 8th place Chicago by one game. The Sparks won their last game but have lost eight of the last 10. The Fever have been a very good road over team, going 11-5 O/U in their last 16 road games. They are also 4-1 O/U in their last five games vs the Western Conference and 8-3 O/U in their last 11 with one day rest. The Sparks are 16-6 O/U in their last 22 vs a team with a losing record and 4-0 O/U in their last four games playing on one day rest. I'm taking the OVER here today.

No doubt the LV Aces are the best team in the WNBA and defending Champion. They look like the team that will repeat this year. They score a lot of points, 93.9 ppg to be exact. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and 18-2 overall. The LA Sparks are just 7-12 overall and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They average just 78.5 ppg while allowing 81.4 ppg. The Aces play back-to-back after last night's game. While you would expect a team that scores right at 94 ppg to be a good over play, they are just 1-4 O/U in their last five times on no rest. They are also 2-6 O/U their last eight vs the Western Conference. LA has had two days off and they are 1-5 O/U in their last six times with 2 days of rest and 2-5 O/U in their last seven home games. I'm taking the UNDER here tonight.

The Connecticut Sun are like a cat with nine lives. They are now 4-0 in elimination games this playoff season. And now they face another one here in game four. The Sun pulled away in the 4th quarter of game four for an easy win to keep the series alive and force another game. So here we are, game four. A win and we go back to Vegas for a decisive game five. I like the Sun to once again show they are not an easy out. Take the Sun to force game five.

The Las Vegas Aces on the verge of bring a first ever major championship banner to Las Vegas as they sit 2-0 in this best of five series. However, Connecticut might still have something to say about the outcome. The Sun have the leagues top 3 offense and defense. The Aces got out to an early lead in game two and never looked back as they cruised to the easy. It would be easy for the Sun to give it up here as they now have to win three straight and that has never happened in this playoff format. Still, I believe their is something left in the tank and they won't go down easy. I'll take a shot with the Sun tonight.

 Game two of this best of five series has the Aces up one game to none. The Aces jumped out to a big lead in game one but found themselves fighting from behind in the 2nd half to finally take the win, but not cover the 6-point line. The first game was a defensive battle and that was expected as the Sun are top 3 in the WNBA in both offense and defense. The Aces struggled at times in their Seattle matchup and a few of the games came down to the wire. In fact, an OT win by Vegas that Seattle could have easily won changed the tide in that series. The Sun have covered 10 of their last 11 road games and are 17-5 ATS overall their last 22 games. Vegas has covered just one of their last five home games and are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 WNBA Championship games. I'm taking the points with the Sun tonight and won't be shocked if they steal game two.

 Both these teams putting on a great show in the playoffs as the LV Aces can wrap up the West and a spot in the finals with a win tonight. However, Seattle has proven way tougher in the postseason then in the regular season where LV took three of four games. Seattle could easily be the one looking to advance tonight after that heartbreaking loss in OT in game three. Vegas had to tie it up with just under two seconds remaining in regulation to force an OT or this is a different series heading into tonight. Will Seattle be able to come back here tonight after that heartbreaking game three loss? I believe they will. They have played great in all three games and given Vegas all they can handle. I look for this series to go the distance after Seattle wins tonight.

Chicago has had the Connecticut number all season, going 4-0 against the Sun. The last two games winning by three points. Chicago has also covered three of their four matches. These two teams are about as evenly matched as any two teams in the playoffs have been. Their games seem to come down to the final moments. Everyone seems to be siding with Chicago in this one as they have always came out on top against the Sun. I, however, will be on the Sun tonight. I look for them to finally get a win at home against the Sky. You can make a case by the numbers for either team, this one is based on my own numbers and experience. I'm taking Connecticut to pull this game out.

Game three here in the Western Semi-Finals is a dog fight as the Aces and Storm are tied at one game each. The Storm shocked the Aces in game one by stealing that game on the Las Vegas home court. So that means home court back in the Storm's court now. The Aces have averaged 90.4 ppg this season, much higher than the 78.4 ppg that the Storm have allowed. Breanna Stewart has been amazing for the Storm, as she had 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in game two vs Washington in round one. The Aces have a dominant team, and while I believe we saw the best the Storm could do in game one, I like them to stay close here today with Stewart unstoppable. The Storm are a 1-point home favorite for a reason and I believe that's because they are going to win this game. Take Seattle.

The Las Vegas Aces took the overall first place as the best team in the regular season. Then their head coach, Becky Hammon, was named Coach of the Year. The only thing missing, a WNBA Championship and the Seattle Storm are standing in their way. The Aces are coming off a 1st round sweep the Phoenix Mercury, taking game two by 37-points. Seattle also had little trouble in their opening round with the Washington Mystics, sweeping them in two games. The Aces have won three of the four meetings with the Storm this year. While Vegas had their way with Seattle in the regular season, this isn't the regular season. One person the Aces wish they had was Dearica Hamby. Hamby injured her knee back on August 10th vs the Atlanta Dream and will miss today's contest. Some generous points here today to be had with the Storm. Would I be shocked by a Storm upset today? No, but I'll take the points and look for them to be close at the final buzzer. Take Seattle.

Not many gave the Liberty a chance in this series. Especially the home crowd. The Sky could have won the first two games at home and this game at NY would never have been. Instead the Liberty took game one at Chicago as a 9-point dog and the split on the road gets them the home game tonight. Chicago is the defending WNBA champion, so don't expect them to fold under the pressure tonight. They reminded everyone of just that with a 32-point blowout win in game two of this series. Chicago had the 2nd best road record in the WNBA so playing here in NY tonight shouldn't bother them. NY is the team with no pressure tonight, but for me, I know the Sky are the much better team and they won't let this road venue bother them. I'll lay the points with Chicago.

 The Washington Mystics were the top defensive rated team in the WNBA this season. The Seattle Storm are not far behind them, so this should be a tough, defensive battle. The Storm have done well as a money line favorite, going 14-4 their last 18 times as the favored team. Home court is most critical in this first round of best of three. That's because the lower seed team may not get a home game. Seattle hosts the first two games in this series and could advance to the next round without ever leaving home. Seattle knows this and a loss here tonight shifts the momentum to Washington. I look for Seattle to put for a top effort tonight. I won't lay the points, but I will take Seattle on the Money Line.

Game one of the best of three tonight in Chicago has the Sky hosting the NY Liberty. Chicago is looking to be the first back-to-back champions as they begin defense of their 2021 crown. The Liberty are led by record setting guard Sabrina Lonescu who was the first player with 500+ points as well as 200+rebounds and 200+assists. The Sky can't overlook the Liberty in this series. The Liberty had the 2nd best defense rating over the last two weeks. Chicago was 3-1 S/U vs the Liberty this year, however the Liberty owned the spread record at 2-1-1 ATS. I believe this line is too high for a very good defensive team like New York. I'll take the Liberty plus the heafty points here tonight.

The WNBA down to just a handful of regular season games. Eight teams will make the playoffs and New York needs to win out to really have a shot. The Liberty are 13-20 on the season and tied for 9th in the league. They are just a half game behind the final playoff spot held by Atlanta. That means wins are imperative for the club. Meanwhile Dallas has clinched a playoff spot with a 17-16 record. The Wins are in 6th place and look to be locked into that spot as they trail 5th place Washington by two games. The Wings look to have nothing to play for these final games while the Liberty will be playing for their playoff lives. I'll take New York plus the points here today.

 The LA Sparks currently sit in 6th place in the WNBA with a 12-14 record. They have won two straight games, beating the Fever 86-79 and then the Dream last game, 85-78. These teams met not long ago with the Aces winning 79-73. As for the Aces, they were in first place a good part of the season, but have since dropped to 2nd with a 19-8 record. Las Vegas has been inconsistent of late, losing three of four games before getting back on track and winning three straight. They have split their last two games, losing at home to the Atlanta Dream as a double digit favorite, 76-92. That has been an issue for this team, their inconsistent play. So laying these kinds of points as they are tonight is difficult to do. I'll take the points with the Sparks. Play LA

Just one game on the WNBA slate tonight and that's the Atlanta Dream playing at the NY Liberty. Both these teams fighting for one of those last playoff spots as the Liberty are in 7th place with a 8-10 record and the Dream are in 9th place with a 8-11 record. The Liberty have won two straight, including their game over the Dream 89-77 at Atlanta. This back-to-back series now changes venues to New York. Atlanta has lost three straight games and seven of their last eight games. New York is 6-1 ATS in their last seven overall games and 7-0 ATS vs the WNBA Eastern Conference teams. The Liberty playing much better here of late. I'll lay the points with New York.

The Las Vegas Aces lead the WNBA by just a half game over the Chicago Sky. The Aces have the best scoring offense in the league by quite a margin, averaging 91.2 ppg on the season. They also have the best point differential at +8 ppg. Still, the Aces look to rebound from a pair of loss to 2nd place Chicago, 95-104 and to the Washington Mystics, 86-87, both at home. It's the first time all season that the Aces have lost two games in a row. The LA Sparks are in 9th place in the WNBA with a 7-10 record, 2.5 games out of the last playoff spot held by Atlanta Dream. The Sparks allow 86.4 ppg while scoring just 81.7 ppg. This will be their third game against the Aces this season. Vegas won 89-72 and 104-76 in the prior two meetings of the season. I expect Vegas to get back to winning tonight and won't be surprised if they score well over 100 points. I'll take the OVER.

The Connecticut Sun are in 3rd place in the WNBA with a 12-6 record, 1.5-games back of Las Vegas. The Sun also have the second best point differential with a +7.8 number. The Sun have the league's third best defense, allowing 78.1 ppg. The Atlanta Dream are 7th in the league with a 8-9 record. The Dream have a -0.8 point differential and average the second fewest points in the league this year at 78.1 ppg. The Sun will try to snap a two-game losing streak here today, scoring just 77 and 63 points in their last two games. Atlanta has dropped five of their last six games. Atlanta will have to rely on their top defensive ranking in the league if they hope to win today. The way this team plays defense it has you taking a look at them in almost every game. I look for a close game, but expect the Dream's defense to keep the score low. Play the UNDER.