While the WNBA does not return until May, the inaugural season of the Unrivaled League begins in January. This season brings fresh opportunities for bettors to capitalize on daily matchups, player performances, and exclusive prop bets. Our daily Unrivaled League betting guide provides expert picks, trends, and insights to help you stay ahead of the game. Stay tuned as we break down today’s best bets and uncover where the smart money is going.
What is Unrivaled?
This innovative 3-on-3 women’s basketball league features six teams, each with six players. The games are played on a compressed full court and have four quarters, with a game clock and shot clock. The top four teams in the standings at the end of the regular season will make the playoffs.
Today’s 2025 Unrivaled League Best Bets
Here are our top picks for today’s 2025 Unrivaled League action.
Phantom BC vs. Laces BC
After yesterday's inauguration of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 Women's Basketball League, the sportsbooks have added odds. Unrivaled was an absolute hit on night one, featuring some of the biggest WNBA stars in an exciting, fast-paced format. Since this is the first game we're writing about, I figured I'd break down the rules. There are three-quarters that are seven minutes, and then the fourth quarter will add an 11-point target to the leading team's total in the fourth quarter. There's an 18-second shot clock, and the full court isn't as long as a typical WNBA court. It still requires a lot of stamina. That said, the Phantom BC will take on the Laces BC in the first of two games today. Satou Sabally leads Phantom. They're also tremendously deep with Marina Mabrey, Sabrina Ionescu, and Brittney Griner. They've got shooters and length and should be a tough out. On the other hand, Laces have Jackie Young, Alyssa Thomas, and Kayla McBride. They're super well-balanced, but I like Phantom's shooting depth a little more. I'll roll with Phantom in today's first of two matchups.
Pick: Phantom -3
-Jason Radowitz
Lunar Owls BC vs. Rose BC
What started as tough-sledding for the Lunar Owls BC resulted in a masterclass in winning basketball last night against the Mist BC. Jewell Loyd was unstoppable both from the field and beyond the arc, finishing the contest with 30 points. However, the Owls fought-back from a 73-67 deficit, and recorded the first win in the history of Unrivaled by a score of 84-80.
The addition of the determined score after three quarters of basketball creates a unique environment where it's imperative to keep within striking-distance of your opponent after three separate intervals of seven minutes.
Co-Founder, Napheesa Collier, led the team with 27 points, as the Owls combined for 58% shooting from-the-field, and 35% from-beyond-the-arc. Skylar Diggins-Smith closed-out this contest, as well as the Mist, with a 10-point performance in the fourth quarter. Out of the five players available for the Owls, four of them finished the contest with at least 14 points.
As for the Rose, their first contest did not result in a positive outcome. While they did fight back some in the fourth quarter, the 11-point fourth quarter advantage proved to be too much to overcome. The Rose hoisted up more shots than their opponent last night. However, their efficiency left something to be desired, as the team only connected on 44.7% of their attempts.
If the Rose are unable to collectively shoot closer to 50% in this contest, then it's highly likely the Lunar Owls close out the maiden weekend for the league with two victories in as many days. Speaking of back-to-back contests, it will be interesting to see how the accelerated pace of this league coincides with the condensed schedule. Surely this will be something to take account of for future selections.
Even though the Owls are a team of only five players, we feel the Rose will fall short once again in this contest. Not only do the Lunar Owls seem to be the more efficient and cohesive unit, the team proved they can also come from behind when needed. The Owls are not heavily reliant on just one person, which should benefit them not only in this contest, but throughout the season.
If first quarter scoring lines are available in your area, you may want to consider jumping all over the under for most of these contests. It appears it takes a least a quarter for players to gain their shooting-touch. Having said that, once they do, you can expect points in volume.
Both contests went over their suggested total yesterday, and we feel the 144.5 is way too low considering these two teams combined for almost 95 attempts yesterday. If the Rose can improve on their efficiency, then there is little doubt that this contest ends under combined 160 points.
Lunar Owls BC -4.5 | Over 152.5 Points
-Steve Krebs