We are treated to a season-high five games across the WNBA this evening. There are a myriad of options to consider for these contests. Here are some of our best bets for Wednesday May 27th.
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Wednesday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Phoenix Mercury +5.5 (-115)
The New York Liberty are in the midst of getting Sabrina Ionescu acclimated after missing the first six games of the season due to a left foot injury. To further complicate things, Satou Sabally left Monday's game against Portland with an illness after only a few minutes. It's been rough sledding for New York over the first three weeks, and the Phoenix Mercury have an opportunity to either steal a victory on the road or at least keep within six points.
The Mercury head into this contest having dropped their previous three games. Having said that, Phoenix was a three-point basket away from a win against the Dream on Sunday. The Mercury are 2-2 against the spread in their last four contests. Phoenix gets the slight edge against New York in regards to offensive rating, as well as limiting opposing points in the paint. If the Mercury can keep the Liberty out of the paint, that should result in good fortune.
The Mercury are heavy underdogs going into this contest. Nevertheless, the Liberty are performing nowhere near the level of the team that won a Championship only two seasons ago. This is a very sneaky under-the-radar play that we believe has a fantastic opportunity to cash. New York is also coming off three consecutive losses, and should certainly not be favored by six points or more.
Kiki Rice 12+ Points (-133)
Kiki Rice did not score a single point in 18 minutes on the floor in the first contest for the Tempo. Since then, the rookie has scored in double-digits in six consecutive games. The Chicago Sky have preferred a faster tempo in their contests, so there will be plenty of opportunities for the UCLA product to score tonight.
Rice is averaging 12.4 points per game through the first seven contests for Toronto. The rookie guard is averaging 16 points on a phenomenal 62% shooting from the field through the last four games. Rice has knocked down eight out of her last 13 three-point attempts, while attempting no more than four per game.
Rice has been completely locked in following the first game against Washington. The Tempo guard played 30 minutes or more in three out of four games. The efficiency is there, and the playing time appears to have increased significantly. Rice has reached 12 points or more in four out of the last six contests.
Shakira Austin Under 26 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-113)
The Seattle Storm deployed rookie Awa Fam for the first time this week, and the team desperately needed the bump in size. With the addition of the opposing front court, Shakira Austin found it difficult getting to the rim and stacking boards when Seattle and Washington matched up on Sunday.
After a hot start to the season, Shakira Austin is currently scoring over 15 points per game, while grabbing 7.6 boards, with 2.4 assists. Our reluctance towards the Over on this selection simply boils down to a sizable dip in production and playing time through the last two contests. Austin is averaging 12 points and four rebounds while playing 27 minutes per game. The center for Washington put up 17.6 points, 10 boards, and 3.6 assists through the first three games of the season. Austin was on the floor for an average of 31.6 minutes over that span.
Something is apparently deterring Austin from the kind of performances that were being delivered to start the season. Whether it be confidence, injury, or something else, we cannot speak to that as of this time. What we can do is follow this trend for another contest, as it seems the odds-makers may be somewhat ambitious on this line of 26 points, rebounds, and assists.
Connecticut Sun at Portland Fire – Race to 20 Points 1st Quarter: Portland Fire (-115)
The Connecticut Sun are averaging 21.5 points in the first quarter over eight games. The Sun connect on 44% of attempts from the field and a woeful 30% from beyond the arc in the initial 10 minutes. Connecticut is only making eight field goals in the first quarter.
As for the Fire, the team is rolling through the first seven games of their maiden season. Portland has only scored less than 80 points in one contest. The Fire score over 85 points when playing at home. Portland shoots over 40% in games that they win. The Fire are six-point favorites going into this contest.
While Connecticut has shown some success with reaching 20 points in the first quarter, they may have trouble being the first to reach that total tonight. Portland managed to be the first team to accumulate 20 points when the two teams met on May 18.
Minnesota Lynx Moneyline (+130)
This selection makes up our largest return of the evening. A matchup against the high-powered offense of the Atlanta Dream is certainly a tough task for any team. The Lynx are without their best offensive option in Napheesa Collier, only making matters worse. Having said that, Minnesota is loaded with talent, and look to be comfortable in games with either a faster or slower pace. Minnesota has won four out of six games, and receive the home court advantage for this contest.
Minnesota is averaging just below 88 points, even without a player who averages 20+ points per game. The Lynx are making 50% of their attempts, while grabbing 39 boards per game, second in the WNBA. Any team that's knocking down 50% of its shots and displaying dominance on the boards is certainly capable of winning on its home floor.
The Lynx are one of the most efficient teams in the league. Minnesota owns a 54.9% effective field goal percentage, while holding opponents to the lowest percentage (44%). The Lynx have the talent, defense, rebounding prowess, and scoring to upset Atlanta at home, and we feel they do so for a +130 return.
