WNBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Valkyries vs. Mystics (Thursday)
If their first meeting is any indication, tonight's Golden State Valkyries versus Washington Mystics contest will be a competitive battle. Such contests are often exciting, which you can make even better by putting something on the game. Our best WNBA bets will help you decide what to bet on.
When these two teams last met at the start of the season, the Valkyries came out on top, 76-74, giving Golden State its first win in only its second game. How will things go this time, and how should you bet this game? Let's discuss just that.
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Thursday’s Best WNBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Golden State Valkyries (+152) vs. Washington Mystics (-4.5)
Golden State has looked like a potential playoff team all season, but with the loss of Kayla Thornton for the season, it is hard to say what's in store for this team. In their first game without her, they played a solid Atlanta team and pulled off a 77-75 upset win.
But then they got crushed by a terrible Connecticut team. After playing a solid game against a good team, they stunk up the court against one of the league's worst. Washington, on the other hand, is coming off a 103-86 win over Chicago.
The Valkyries have not been a strong offensive team, but neither have the Mystics. Golden State has been one of the better defensive teams in the league (78.5 points per game allowed), but Washington hasn't been too bad either (87.5 points per game allowed).
I've been a Golden State fan all season, but the team looks a bit lost without Thornton. Washington rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are coming off a game that saw them combine for 50 points. Factor in the Valkyries' road struggles (4-9), and the decision becomes an easy one.
Pick: Mystics -4.5 (-106)
Sonia Citron Over 12.5 Points (-130)
Sonia Citron is averaging 14.2 points per game and has scored over 12.5 points per game in her last two. However, there are times when she struggles with her shot and scores fewer than 10 points (four of nine games this month). Citron only had 10 points when they played on May 21st, but she also had eight rebounds.
Citron is a much better player now than she was in her second game as a pro. Golden State has had issues on the road and will be down one of its better players (Kayla Thornton). I like Citron to score more than 12.5 points in this game.
Brittney Sykes Over 13.5 Points (-113)
Brittney Sykes scored 30 points versus Golden State in the early-season matchup and is coming off an 18-point game against Chicago. Without Kayla Thornton's defense to slow her down, Sykes will have an easier time attacking the basket. She may not get 30 this time, but she'll certainly go over 13.5 points.