WNBA Picks & Predictions: Thursday (5/28)
We have two games on the WNBA schedule tonight, starting with the Dallas Wings hosting the Las Vegas Aces at 8:00 p.m. ET. That game will be followed by the Indiana Fever taking on the Golden State Valkyries. Both should be fun to watch and even more fun to bet on. But what are the best WNBA picks for tonight's games? I've got a couple for you.
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Thursday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Las Vegas Aces at Dallas Wings
I lean toward the over in this game because both teams can score a lot of points. Las Vegas ranks second in scoring (91.7 points per game), while Dallas is tied for sixth (88 points per game).
However, Dallas holds the higher offensive rating (111.4, second) compared to Vegas (109.3, seventh). Defensively, the edge goes to Vegas, but not by much (104.6 to 106.9).
This makes me want to pick the Wings to win outright. However, after reviewing the injury report, I have some doubts. Arike Ogunbowale is questionable, Alanna Smith is doubtful and Paige Bueckers is probable. Smith anchors the defense as one of the roster's best defenders, while Bueckers and Ogunbowale drive the offense. If the Wings lose all three, they could struggle badly.
Losing two would still create major problems, while losing one would present a challenge they could likely manage.
Las Vegas looks a lot like last year's squad, which didn't play great right out of the gate. Dallas has improved significantly since last season. At full strength, I'd probably take the Wings on the Moneyline. But since Dallas may be without one of its offensive weapons (Ogunbowale) and top defenders (Smith), I'll take the points instead.
Pick: Dallas +5.5 (-115)
Indiana Fever at Golden State Valkyries
It would be easy to go with Indiana on the Moneyline or to lay the points since the Fever just beat Golden State 90-82 on Friday in Indianapolis. However, it is important to consider the differences between teams at home and on the road.
Indiana leads the WNBA in scoring at home, averaging 95 points per game. But on the road, the offense ranks just seventh in the league, scoring 87 points per game.
Golden State averages 86.7 points per game on the road and 85 at home. The telling point in this game is Golden State's home defense, which allows the fewest points per game in the league (72.7). However, Indiana's road defense has been solid (78 points allowed per game).
Then again, they've only played one game on the road.
It would be easy to go with the over or pick Indiana to win. But Golden State's home defense will keep this one close, making it hard to pick a winner. However, if Indiana's defense looks half as good on the road as it did in Los Angeles, the final score will be under this total.
Pick: Under 167.5 Points (-115)