WNBA Player Prop Bet Picks: Sunday (Storm vs. Mystics)
After a full Saturday with four games across the association, it's unfortunate that we only get one contest today. Both teams are coming off losses in each of their first two games, so for one organization, this will be a chance to turn the tide on what may be deemed a disappointing start to the season.
So without any further preamble, let's jump right into the sole WNBA contest as we break down the some points picks for 5/19.
Sunday’s Best WNBA Player Prop Bets
Ariel Atkins Over 16.5 Points
Atkins fell victim to foul trouble in the last contest, failing to properly incorporate herself into the flow of the game.
The 33 minutes on the court, even with foul issues, speaks loudly to the importance the Washington guard brings to the team.
Atkins will try once again to bounce back after a productive first game where she finished with 20 points. The shot attempts haven't been a problem with an average of 13.5 in the first two contests of the 2024 campaign.
Seattle has let up over 80 points in each of their games to start the season, so the opportunity to score will certainly be there.
Jewell Loyd Under 21.0 Points
Loyd has been firing up shots to start this season, with 40 in the first two games. Normally that would be an area to target for the higher side of this selection, though, in this matchup, that may not be the case.
The Storm are in the midst of their second road game in three days, and tomorrow they head out to Brooklyn for another matchup with the Liberty. That schedule is not easy by any means.
This contest would seem like the one Seattle has a better chance of finding success in, except that Washington is a tough defense that also prefers to slow the game down offensively.
Perhaps the schedule, a double overtime outing, the high shot volume, an early start time, and a tough opponent, may prove to be a bit too taxing to exceed 21 points.
Skyler Diggins-Smith Over 16.5 Points
Granted, the Seattle guard needed two overtime periods to clear 20 points against Dallas on Friday. However, it was clear there was an emphasis on attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line.
Diggins-Smith hasn't found her shooting stroke just yet, only combining for 34% from the field to start the season. This includes zero three-pointers on five attempts.
Going 6-for-7 last game made a noticeable impression in regards to scoring numbers, and also helped the team come back from an 11-point deficit, pushing the game into 10 minutes of extra play where they ultimately fell short in the end.
If the veteran guard can replicate a desire to get to the rim and draw fouls, we like her chances to surpass the desired point total for today.
Ezi Magbegor Over 13.5 Points
Seattle may be towards the bottom of the standings two games into the season. However, to their credit, they are also third in the league in percentage of points scored in the paint at 52.8%, averaging 43.0 per game.
This works well in the favor of Magbegor who predominately succeeds through offensive rebound put-backs, and scoring in the paint- 7.0 points (out of a 12-point average) scored in or around the rim through two contests on 55% shooting.
In the first matchup against Dallas, the Storm's forward managed to get to the free throw line on three occasions, sinking 5-of-6 attempts. Washington is tied for third most fouls drawn per game, providing the opportunity for points from foul shots, which is what could very well be the difference in pushing us over the desired point threshold.
Enjoy the game today, and good luck with your picks!