The second half of the WNBA is in full swing with four games across the league this evening. Let's not waste any time and jump right into our favorite picks and predictions for Wednesday, 8/5.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
Top 5 WNBA Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (8/5)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Phoenix Mercury @ Atlanta Dream Over 181.5 (-112)
Following a brutal 22-point loss against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday, the Atlanta Dream enter this contest looking to bounce back at home at the expense of the Phoenix Mercury. Atlanta won five straight games before their loss to the Aces earlier in the week, and a certain player in particular that we will be focusing on later has quietly performed in dominant fashion. We expect a ton of scoring in this game - especially with the addition of Kelsey Plum to the Mercury squad.
Atlanta is 11-3 against the over when playing at home as a favorite. The Dream are averaging over 94.2 points through the last five games, while allowing 92.4 points from the opposition. Phoenix has been conceding points on the road at a very high clip recently - opponents are scoring 94.6 points through the last five road games against Phoenix.
The Mercury are not playing much defense these days, and Atlanta continues to pile up the points. When you insert a player of Kelsey Plum's scoring prowess into the mix, the over looks even more likely. Phoenix has exceeded the over/under line in three consecutive contests. Whereas the Dream have done so in the previous 4 of 5 games.
Angel Reese Over 29.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-132)
As previously stated, Angel Reese is currently smashing projected prop lines for points, rebounds, and assists since returning from the All-Star break. The third year All-Star is dropping 22.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists through the last three games. Reese is shooting a very impressive 49 percent from the field over that span. The forward out of LSU is fresh off scoring 23 points while grabbing 16 boards in only 27 minutes on Monday.
Phoenix may not have an answer for Reese on the boards or in the paint tonight, and that should result in another powerful outing for the young forward. Reese has reached 30+ points, rebounds, and assists in 7 of 8 games.
Seattle Storm +8.5 (-102)
This selection will easily be the sweatiest of the night. We also understand if it's a little too out of your comfort zone. New York owns one of the best records in the WNBA against the spread when playing as the home favorite (7-6). Seattle has played a league-leading 17 games on the road as the underdog this season. The Storm have covered in 47.1 percent of their contests on the road and receiving points.
The Liberty are a dreadful 1-9 against the spread over their last 10 games, and have shown signs of being unable to easily dispatch teams with an inferior record. Seattle is highly capable of keeping this contest close; it's just a matter of whether they can keep it close when it matters most late in the fourth quarter.
Dallas Wings @ Washington Mystics Under 165.5 (-115)
The Washington Mystics are a team that we have continuously backed on the under - especially when playing at home. Washington deploys a hounding defense, while keeping opponents at bay from above the perimeter and on the glass, and playing at an extremely slow pace. Dallas has also been applying pressure to their opener as of late, while finding difficulty scoring at an efficient rate.
The Mystics are putting up 86.4 points through the last five games - a 5.2 increase from their season average. Washington has simply increased their offensive rating as a team by taking better shots and reducing their turnovers by 3.2 through the last five games. Having said that, it may not be enough to assist in crossing the 165.5 threshold.
Dallas has fallen to the under in three consecutive games, and in six out of their last 10 games. The Wings have been holding opponents to a league-low 6.2 assists on 27.7 percent shooting from the field. Dallas faces a tough task in scoring against one of the best defensive units in the league. Whereas, Washington doesn't push the pace needed to clear 165.5 points in this contest.
Nneka Ogwumike To Record A Double Double (+110)
We close out our selections with an option that is predicated on some stellar play through the last few weeks. Nneka Ogwumike is averaging 19.6 points and 9.7 rebounds through the last 10 games. The veteran forward is shooting 52.3 percent from the field, and a blistering 43.5 percent from above the perimeter on 4.6 attempts. Ogwumike has finished with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in 7 of 10 games.
The forward for Los Angeles has seen a sizable uptick in production since Kelsey Plum has been out of action. Now that Plum was traded to Phoenix, Ogwunike assumes the role of first scoring option. The forward for the Sparks recorded 10 rebounds or more in five out of the last six games, and is in a fantastic spot to once again do so against a Chicago team that puts up over 70 shots per game when at home this season.
Best of luck with your picks. Enjoy the games tonight.
