WNBA Picks & Predictions: Friday (6/12)
There is an exciting slate of WNBA games on Friday night. Two big matchups highlight some of the most intriguing teams in the league. Let's take a look at those matchups for our top WNBA picks.
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Friday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Toronto Tempo at Washington Mystics
The inaugural season for the Tempo has gotten off to a very nice start. Toronto has compiled an early 7-5 straight-up (SU) record and an impressive 7-5 against the spread (ATS) record.
They've done this on the backs of the second-highest rated offense in the league. While they rebound well and take care of the ball, the Tempo really thrives in their ability to get to the free-throw line. Only one team in the league gets to the free-throw line more than Toronto on a per-possession basis. Toronto has an 84.8% free-throw rate, second-best in the league.
On Friday, Toronto will take on the Mystics. Washington is actually the only team that gets to the free-throw line more than Toronto, but unfortunately for them, they rank near the bottom of the league in free-throw rate. Additionally, they foul pretty often with a league-high 30 fouls per game. This could be a game where the Tempo gets to the line and makes the Mystics pay.
Due to both of these teams' ability to gather their own misses and get extra scoring opportunities, they both have good records towards the over. Toronto is 7-5 to the over while Washington sits at 6-4.
When you break down the home and away splits, it bears out to 5-1 on the road for Toronto and 3-1 at home for Washington. I'll back both of these trends and expect a lot of points at the free throw line with an over play.
Pick: Over 169.5 Points (-110)
Golden State Valkyries at Seattle Storm
The Storm have been the coldest team in the league over the last few weeks. Seattle has lost seven straight games, going just 3-4 ATS in those matchups. On Friday night, they'll take on a Golden State team that is likely better than their record indicates. Although only 7-5 SU, they rank third in Net Rating. A big reason for this is their offense.
Golden State has been really successful in its long-range shooting. They shoot 37.9% from deep while also attempting the most three-pointers per possession in the league. Seattle is a defense that is more than happy to allow looks from deep, and things could get out of hand very quickly in this matchup.
With Golden State being a lethal threat from deep and Seattle struggling mightily with one of the worst offenses in the league, this is a bad matchup for the Storm. I expect the woes for the Storm to continue and for Golden State to take control of this game early and not relinquish it. I'll be backing the road favorite.
Pick: Valkyries -8.5 (-108)