The All-Star break is officially in the rearview mirror, as we look towards the playoffs on the horizon. The WNBA is heating up at just the right time, with teams getting healthy and jockeying for playoff positioning. I'll be coming at you once a week with the best WNBA picks for the Saturday slate. Be sure to check out my other articles covering first basket bets and player props to help you print some money this season.
We backtracked a bit last time out with some close calls, but in the end, we missed out. Here are my best WNBA bets for Saturday, August 15th.
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Saturday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions
Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 16-15
New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun
Starting off in the northeast, the New York Liberty battle the Connecticut Sun as they jockey for playoff positioning. The Liberty currently sit in sixth place overall but are within two games of third and eighth place either way. It's going to be a fun final month of play.
The Liberty seem to have hit their stride, going 8-4 over their last 12 games and ranking third in offense. They actually rank better offensively on the road than at home. But whatever it is, their players take a step back at home. It doesn't help that they're currently battling some injuries, with Sabrina Ionescu a game-time decision while Satou Sabally and Leonie Fiebich both out.
Even if Ionescu plays, she likely won't be at 100%, and what really stands out to me is the trends. New York is 3-14 against the spread (ATS) on the road this year. I'm not one for small sample sizes, but that's startling. Compare that with Connecticut's 9-7 ATS record at home, and I'm going to keep this one simple and back the Sun's ability to keep this close.
Bet: Sun +8.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Washington Mystics
Next up, we have another team battling for a playoff spot as the Washington Mystics host the Los Angeles Sparks. Both teams have hit a bit of a rut recently, with Washington losing consecutive games to the Aces and the Sparks dropping three straight.
It's a short timeline, but in their last three games, the Mystics’ offense ranks 10th, while the Sparks’ defense ranks 11th. In their last 10 games, it's not much better, with Washington ninth and the Sparks 12th.
Washington also reps the second-best defense with the second-slowest pace of play in the same time frame. With Los Angeles continuing their cross-country trip and Washington needing to bounce back, I expect them to take it slow here and grind out a win. Los Angeles will likely keep it close, but I'm on the under.
Bet: Under 171.5 Points (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces
For the highlight of the day, we have the Minnesota Lynx traveling West to Vegas. Both teams have already clinched playoff berths, but these are arguably the two best teams in the league and should do battle.
The big X-factor in this one is Napheesa Collier. Not exactly surprising, as she'll be the best player on the court. She put up 22 points, and the Lynx scored 98 points the last time they faced off the Aces in an 11-point win. Back in June, without her, the Lynx still put up 97 points but allowed the Aces to get to triple digits in a loss.
This Lynx team is simply better. They're fully healthy, they have a top-three offense and defense in the last 10 games, and are 10-6 ATS on the road. The Aces are missing three different role players, and the home-court advantage isn't enough for me to move off Minnesota.
Bet: Lynx -1.5 (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
