All eyes are on every Indiana Fever game, and rightly so. Led by Caitlin Clark, they are a rising force in the W, and looking to make noise in the Eastern Conference. The Atlanta Dream will do their best to spoil the party.
It’s no secret that the Dream are on the struggle bus. They haven’t finished above .500 since the 2018 season, when Tiff Hayes and Angel McCoughtry led the team. But there’s reason to believe things can change this year. Rhyne Howard is already established as a young star. Allisha Gray remains a capable Robin to her Batman. The question is: how far can new additions Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner take them?
The Fever are less of a mystery. Caitlin Clark commands the offense, Aliyah Boston dominates the paint on both ends, and Kelsey Mitchell acts as a backcourt release valve. Indiana added a pair of excellent two-way vets in Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner. Ultimately, the Fever will go as far as Clark can take them, but the outstanding supporting cast cannot be ignored.
The Fever are 8.5-point favorites on the road and are at -375 on the moneyline on the DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 172.5. Let’s take a look at the best bets for this contest.
Best Bets for Lynx vs. Sparks
Over 172.5 (-110)
Both squads can score quickly—they both scored 90 points in their opening contests. While I think both teams have better defenses than expected, a good offense will always beat a good defense.
The battle in the paint will be interesting. Perhaps the best rim protector in WNBA history not named Lisa Leslie, Brittney Griner will make life in the paint tough on the Fever. Aliyah Boston is an excellent rim protector in her own right. But these are two excellent shooting teams. Clark stands out, of course, but Rhyne Howard is one of the best shotmakers in the league, plain and simple. Both stars can eat in this one. I trust the offensive talent to outpace the defensive strengths of these teams.
Caitlin Clark 40+ Points + Rebounds + Assists (+115)
Speaking of stars eating. Caitlin Clark beat her 36.5 P/R/A line on opening night with a statement 20/10/10 triple-double. The books are still failing to adjust to Clark’s level of stat-stuffing, which we’ll see on a nightly basis. That 40 P/R/A line came in a blowout win over the Chicago Sky where Clark played just 32 minutes and took only 13 shots.
This is a very competitive league, and blowouts are not commonplace unless it’s the best of the league vs. the worst. In a tighter game against a Dream defense that is unprepared to stop Caitlin, I’m backing her P/R/A all the way. I’m also sprinkling on her to record a triple-double at +600, as it’s unlikely that she will only triple-double once in any six given games.
