An action-packed four-game WNBA slate on Friday presents plenty of intriguing betting options on DraftKings Sportsbook. Headlining the slate, the two leading candidates for Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, will draw a large viewership as the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky face off at Wintrust Arena.
Former Seattle Storm icon Breanna Stewart returns for the first time this season as she seeks to lead the New York Liberty to a bounce-back victory following a disappointing loss against the Los Angeles Sparks. This is the first of a two-game mini-series involving these two teams, with the second game played at Barclays Center on Thursday.
As A’Ja Wilson continues her potential third MVP campaign leading the Las Vegas Aces, the next stop will be against the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Meanwhile, the surging Minnesota Lynx will look to extend their seven-game winning streak when they face the Dallas Wings in Texas, with Napheesa Collier continuing to provide elite-level play.
Let’s look below at my top bets for Friday’s WNBA betting card and an analysis based on recent trends and player strength.
Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky
Caitlin Clark PTS + REB + AST Over 34.5 (-115)
Without Chennedy Carter available for the Sky due to illness, Caitlin Clark should have an easier team offensively without having to be checked by such a physical, persistent on-ball defender. In the three performances against Chicago, Clark averaged 17.0 points, 9.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds. That production would place fall in the under with an over/under set at 34.5.
However, in her last two matchups against the Sky, she averaged 20.0 points, 11.0 assists, and 7.0 rebounds, which would comfortably hit the over. All of these games were played in June, long before Clark really hit her stride.
Clark has elevated her game to impressive levels since the All-Star break, averaging 22.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds. This is a favorable betting choice if that production is relatively sustained during Friday’s matchup. Her surge has separated her in the Rookie of the Year race with -3000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to claim the honor. Meanwhile, Angel Reese holds +1500 odds.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings
Napheesa Collier Over 21.5 Points (-115)
The Dallas Wings have executed as the worst defensive team in the WNBA this season. It has only worsened in August as Dallas has produced a 116.1 defensive rating, but has still managed to field a 2-3 record during this five-game span. The key has been offensive production that has trailed only the Lynx and Fever, keeping them largely in games but still losing more than they’ve won. Napheesa Collier has put together some truly explosive performances lately and enters Friday’s matchup against the Wings, averaging 20.8 points per game on the season. Her scoring average has only risen in August, averaging 23.3 points in six games played. There is little reason to believe she won’t do the job against the Wings again.
The Lynx are 6-0 this month, with Collier’s production playing a pivotal role. Minnesota holds +550 odds to win the WNBA championship on DraftKings Sportsbook this season, trailing only the Liberty and Aces. If Minnesota keeps defending at an elite level, hitting open shots, and spacing for Collier, who has played at an MVP-caliber level, this team can make noise.
Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces
A’Ja Wilson Over 26.5 Points (-130)
Due to personal reasons, Tina Charles has already been ruled out against the Aces. The Dream sorely struggles without Charles on the court—producing just an 85.8 offensive rating, a 98.3 defensive rating, and a -12.5 net rating in 334 minutes without her. A’Ja Wilson, who stands as the leading MVP candidate with -4000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the award, could be due for a big night. She’s averaging a league-leading 27.1 points and would need to produce at her regular level to hit the over against a shorthanded Atlanta squad.
In two performances against the Dream this season, Wilson averaged 30.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, and 2.0 steals, imposing her will on whoever was on the floor. The Dream is one of three teams against which she’s scoring over 30 points per game.
New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm
Breanna Stewart Over 21.5 Points (+100)
Averaging 20.1 points per game on the season, Breanna Stewart will return to Seattle for the third team as an opponent since departing to join the Liberty in 2023. Last season, she averaged 22.5 points per game on the road against the Storm, shooting an impressive 48.5% from the floor, 37.5% from the perimeter, and 90.9% on free throws. It’s worth adding that Stewart averages 22.6 points in seven performances through August.
Any team will have a tough time containing her, but with the natural motivation to put on a show in Seattle, there’s a bit of added reason to have high expectations for her performance rather than viewing this as a run-of-the-mill game on an average Friday evening.
With Stewart playing an integral role, the Liberty remain favorites to win the 2024 championships—holding +150 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
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