WNBA Picks & Predictions: Thursday (8/27)
If you are excited for the WNBA playoffs because you think it's almost here, well - they aren't. The league will take a couple of weeks off so players can participate in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Get your WNBA picks in while you can.
On that note, allow me to discuss my favorite WNBA bets for tonight's games.
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Thursday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty
This game is the second of a back-to-back for Golden State, and the Valkyries have played two games since New York last played on Saturday. Definite advantage for the Liberty, right? Not necessarily. New York is only 7-6 with a rest advantage; Golden State is 7-7 when at a disadvantage.
The Liberty have not played good defense lately, allowing opponents to average 91.4 points per game (PPG) over their last five games (3-2). They scored 90.8 PPG in that stretch. As for the Valkyries, they averaged 76.6 PPG while allowing 77 PPG and also went 3-2.
Statistically, it appears to be a fairly even matchup. It is worth noting that Golden State’s defense shut down the New York offense in their two previous matchups (70 and 67 points). If you believe in a rest disadvantage/advantage, a case could be made for both. Health should not be an issue for either team, but check the injury report.
With the game expected to be tight, the value lies with the Valkyries on the Moneyline.
Pick: Valkyries Moneyline (+130)
Washington Mystics vs. Phoenix Mercury
Washington has been playing dominant defense, and Phoenix will likely be without Kelsey Plum. She is listed as questionable, but after playing 17 minutes on Tuesday, don't count on seeing her today. Without her, a poor Phoenix offense is going to struggle even more to put points on the board against the Mystics.
Washington has picked things up on the offensive end lately, averaging 91.2 PPG over the last five.
Phoenix is a poor team that has been made even worse thanks to a handful of injuries. Washington has one of the best defenses in the WNBA. To make matters worse for the Mercury, they are struggling to score points against anyone. Now put them up against a defense like Washington's and the outlook for Phoenix gets pretty bleak.
How come the spread is so small (-3.5)? I can only guess that it has something to do with playing at home. Washington has already beaten Phoenix twice. Could the third time be the charm for Phoenix? I don't think so. Washington is the better team and could climb as high as the No. 3 seed in the playoffs if they can get on a roll here near the end of the regular season.
Pick: Mystics -3.5 (-110)