The 2025 WNBA season opens on Friday, May 16, with three exciting matchups to kick off the playoffs. Here are the top betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s games.
Here is the full WNBA Schedule for Friday, May 16 (all times Eastern):
- Dream at Mystics, 7:30 p.m.
- Lynx at Wings, 7:30 p.m.
- Sparks at Valkyries, 10 p.m.
Mystics +7 (-110)
Two first-year head coaches will lead the way when the Mystics host the Dream on Friday. Washington’s new head coach, Sydney Johnson, takes the reins after the team parted ways with Eric Thibault. However, the Mystics have been hit with a significant blow before the season starts: rookie Georgia Amoore, the sixth overall pick, is out for the season due to a torn ACL.
Despite these setbacks, the Mystics still have a solid roster with returning players like Brittney Sykes and Ariel Atkins. Atlanta also enters with new leadership under Karl Smesko, who replaces Tanisha Wright. The Dream will rely on star players Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, and their experienced roster could give them an edge in a tightly contested season opener.
Although the Mystics’ circumstances aren’t ideal, they’ll fight hard to kick off their season with a solid performance at home. The +7 spread is generous enough to take, especially considering the new coaching dynamics on both teams.
Wings +5.5 (-112)
The Wings open their 2025 season with a highly anticipated matchup against the Lynx. This game features Paige Bueckers’ WNBA debut, where she will face her hometown team, the Lynx, whom she admired growing up. Bueckers, drafted first overall by Dallas, will be a key figure in the Wings’ rebuild after a tough 9-31 season last year.
With the addition of Bueckers and alongside established players like Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings are primed to improve. However, Minnesota presents a strong challenge, led by Napheesa Collier, who was runner-up for MVP last season. The Lynx are a talented squad, coming off a Finals appearance in 2024, and they will be hungry to start the season strong.
While Minnesota is favored, Dallas’ exciting young core and Bueckers’ presence will keep the team competitive. Expect the Wings to cover the +5.5 spread, especially with the energy from their rookie star.
Sparks -5.5 (-110)
The Sparks face the Valkyries, entering their first season in the league. Golden State’s roster is still in its early stages of development, with veteran additions like Tiffany Hayes leading the charge. However, Los Angeles, bolstered by the arrival of Kelsey Plum and returning star Dearica Hamby, is a well-established squad.
The Sparks have undergone a significant overhaul in the offseason, with a new coach and a new identity. Plum, a three-time All-Star, is the team’s centerpiece and will help set the tone on both ends of the floor. With experienced players like Hamby, the Sparks will have a strong presence in their season opener.
The Valkyries may struggle in their first season, especially in their debut game against a playoff-caliber team like Los Angeles. Expect the Sparks to cover the -5.5 spread as they look to establish their dominance early.
Kelsey Plum Over 5.5 Assists (+110)
Plum is stepping into a leadership role with the Sparks after coming from Las Vegas. With more ball-handling responsibilities, Plum will be integral in running the offense. She averaged 4.8 assists per game last season and could surpass 5.5 assists given the increase in her usage rate and role as the team’s primary playmaker.
Paige Bueckers Over 14.5 Points (-115)
Bueckers has been a star at UConn and is poised to make an impact in her WNBA debut. She averaged 19.8 points per game in college, and with heavy minutes expected, Bueckers will have ample opportunity to score. This should be a highly emotional game for her, and the pressure will drive her to perform well beyond 14.5 points.
