The WNBA Rookie of the Year race was one of the hottest storylines around the league. Whether it was Angel Reese or Caitlin Clark having a big performance and adding to their candidacy, the race was much tighter earlier than it is now.
Clark and Reese, who were selected with the No. 1 and No. 7 overall picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft, have lived up to their hype, currently leading all rookies in scoring and assists. Clark is averaging a league-leading 8.1 assists, while Reese’s 12.9 rebounds per game tops all players, providing rare production for first-year players.
Both players have etched their names in the record books, with Clark setting new rookie records for assists and three-pointers, and Reese achieving a WNBA milestone by recording a double-double in 15 consecutive games. Based on the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, Clark is a heavy favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award—set at -3000, while Reese comes in second at +1500.
The significance of Friday’s game goes beyond the Rookie of the Year race, as it also carries major postseason implications. The Fever and Sky currently hold the last two playoff spots in the WNBA playoff picture.
Indiana has the upper hand in their season series, leading 2-1, and their matchups have consistently drawn attention. As the Fever come into this contest riding the momentum of winning seven of their last 10 games, the Sky are looking to end a four-game losing streak.
With Chennedy Carter sidelined due to illness, the Fever enter the matchup as 6.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. Taking the Fever to cover the spread carries -112 odds while the Sky covering holds -108 odds. The over/under for total points is set at 164.5.
There are plenty of options for Clark and Reese player props on DraftKings Sportsbook. Clark has an over/under of 19.5 points while Reese’s is set at 13.5 points. Additionally, Clark has an over/under for made 3-pointers set at 3.5, while holding a combo (PTS + REB + AST) of a 34.5 over/under. Reese’s over/under for rebounds is set at 14.5. Now is the time to lock those in before tipoff. Otherwise, keep an eye on in-game options.
Earlier this season, their June 23rd game set a previous ticket-price record at $271. Friday’s matchup has featured record-setting prices with many excited for two of the future faces of the WNBA squaring off.
Record-breaking ticket prices for tonight’s Fever-Sky game show Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese are driving the future of the WNBA!
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) August 30, 2024
“This is the future you are trying to nuture, right? These two as rivals going into the next decade-plus of WNBA basketball.” @mikegolicjr pic.twitter.com/pvXDRAh8He
Clark and Reese have established a runaway race without a third candidate in the mix. The season-ending ACL injury to Cameron Brink limited the alternative options. While Kamilla Cardoso has elevated her play lately, there just hasn’t been a third challenger to emerge and it appears there isn’t enough season left to do so.
Since returning from the Olympic break, Clark has raised her game to a level that has made her the clear-cut favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Entering Friday’s matchup, she’s averaged 22.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in these five games. During this stretch, she’s shot 45.2% from the floor, 34.0% from beyond the arc, and 95.2% on free throws.
Reese has made plenty of noise lately as well, recently making history with a streak of grabbing 20 or more rebounds in three consecutive games.
While Clark has received criticism at times for turning it over 5.2 times per game, a key differentiator in this comparison has been Reese’s underwhelming scoring efficiency. For a player dominating the boards, she has struggled to score at an efficient rate. Among all 62 players in the WNBA with 50 or more finishes around the rim, Reese’s output of 0.840 points per possession ranks last by a comfortable margin.
Unless the Fever really cool down with Clark going into a lengthy slump, it’ll be challenging for Reese to surpass her in the Rookie of the Year race. A great way to turn the tide would be to send a message in a head-to-head matchup and rack up wins amid a playoff race.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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