The action continues for WNBA fans tonight with another triple header of exciting games: Golden State versus New York, Toronto versus Minnesota and Los Angeles versus Phoenix. Injuries have factored in the outcome of several games already this season, and we kept them in mind with today’s top WNBA picks.
Of course, with several players listed as game-time decisions, bettors should review the latest injury report before placing a wager. With that in mind, here's our WNBA best bets for Thursday, May 21st.
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Thursday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty
If you want to pick a winner, I'd lean towards the Liberty, but there is no value betting on the Moneyline (-310). With all the injuries New York is dealing with, I can't say with confidence that they can cover a 7.5-point spread against the Valkyries. Golden State is not a strong offensive team, but they have the No. 1 defense in the WNBA at this stage of the season.
I don't see the Liberty scoring in the high 90s-100s against this team, and I'm not confident Golden State’s lackluster offense will crack 80 points against the Liberty.
Pick: Under 170.5 Points (-108)
Toronto Tempo vs. Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota has played well enough to go 2-2 to start the season, but its early success has been more about the defense than the offense. It is not hard to understand why: They are missing one of the best players in the WNBA in Napheesa Collier. Without her, they do not have a true No. 1 scoring option they can count on.
Toronto, on the other hand, has been one of the better offensive teams in the league this early in the season (90 points per game). Neither team has played solid defense yet, so I don't see Minnesota slowing Toronto’s offense much (if at all). The Tempo could win this game, but if they lose, I doubt it will be by seven or more points.
Pick: Toronto +6.5 (-108)
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury
The problem picking a winner between two lackluster teams is that it is not necessarily a matter of who is better, but who is less likely to take advantage of the other's shortcomings. From what we've seen from both teams so far, I don't know that either can. However, the Sparks have yet to figure out how to play defense and are allowing 98.5 points per game so far.
As for Phoenix, they are averaging 88.6 points per game, but other than their 99-point explosion in the opener, they have not gone over this total. But against a defense as bad as the Sparks’, I think they can.
Pick: Mercury Team Total Over 90.5 Points (-105)
