WNBA Picks & Predictions: Monday (6/15)
There are three WNBA Commissioner's Cup games tonight, beginning with two games at 8:00 p.m. ET. Can the Fire keep it close against the Lynx, or are they destined to get blown out? What should we make of the Aces' offense in their second meeting with the Wings this season? And who has the advantage when the clashing styles of the Sparks and Valkyries meet in San Francisco? Here are the best WNBA picks for Monday, June 15th.
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Monday's Best WNBA Picks & Bets
(Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook)
Portland Fire at Minnesota Lynx
On Saturday, the Fire ended their four-game losing streak with an 84-83 win over the Wings. However, I think any momentum gained from that victory will be short-lived, as they're now tasked with heading on the road to face the Lynx, who are tied for the best record in the league.
The Lynx are averaging 91.5 points while allowing 79.8 points per game. Though they lost on Saturday, the Lynx have won eight of their last nine games. Five of those eight wins were by at least 20 points. All but three of the Lynx's 10 wins have been by at least 10 points this season.
During their recent four-game losing streak, the Fire lost three contests by at least 16 points. Seven of the Fire's eight losses this season have been by at least 15 points. This spread is massive, but the Lynx should cruise to a cover.
Pick: Lynx -14.5 (-115)
Las Vegas Aces at Dallas Wings
The first time the Aces visited the Wings this season they scored 87 points in an eight-point loss. Considering the Wings are allowing just 83.4 points per game, which ranks sixth-best in the league, there are legitimate reasons to fade the Aces tonight. But this offense is simply too hot right now.
The league's highest-scoring team has scored at least 100 points in three consecutive games after defeating the Lynx by three points on Saturday. The Aces are now averaging 92.1 points per game, and they've scored at least 90 points in eight of their 13 games.
For as good as the Wings' defense has been at times, they still have their share of poor performances. The Wings have allowed at least 89 points five times this season, and they just gave up 84 to a Fire offense averaging the third-fewest points in the league.
Pick: Aces Team Total Over 89.5 Points (-120)
Los Angeles Sparts at Golden State Valkyries
I like the Valkyries to win this game, but the spread is too large after opening at 3.5. The Sparks have won three consecutive games, including back-to-back road contests.
While the defense, which is allowing 91.3 points per game, has been a problem this season, the Sparks have held four of their last six opponents to 84 points or fewer. Though they allowed 102 in their most recent game, that contest went to overtime.
The Valkyries have been solid this season, but if you look closer at their schedule, you'll realize they've essentially beaten the teams they should, while losing most of their other games. They've won back-to-back games, but those victories came over the Storm and Mercury, two of the bottom three teams in the league. Both of those wins were by six points or fewer.
The Valkyries are allowing just 79.8 points per game this season, which is tied for the fewest in the league. But the Sparks have the third-best scoring offense. Since they're playing really well right now, I'll take the Sparks’ offense over the Valkyries’ defense.
Pick: Sparks +5.5 (-110)
Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.