There are four games on today’s WNBA schedule.
Starting at 3:30 p.m. ET, the New York Liberty will host the Connecticut Sun. Then, a pair of games will be tipping off at 6:00 p.m. between the Mercury and Sparks, as well as the Aces and Storm. The final matchup will begin at 8:30 p.m. between the Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries.
With some high-profile matchups on the table, here are my favorite WNBA bets on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Seattle Storm Team Total Over 78.5 (-120)
The Storm are averaging 80.2 points per game and have tallied over 78.5 points in three of six games this season. This includes the first matchup with the Aces, in which they scored a season-high 102 points.
While Las Vegas has a strong reputation for its defense, the numbers have not been up to the standard this year. The Aces are currently allowing the most points in the paint in the NBA, which will be a huge concern against the Storm’s frontcourt. Ezi Magbegor and Nneka Ogwumike can each drive well with Ogwumike scoring 23 points in the previous matchup between these two teams.
They may not be able to replicate the 102-point performance from a week ago but count on Seattle’s offense to bring it again today. The Storm are second in the league in field goal percentage and attempt the fewest three-pointers in the league. They’ll likely have a clear focus on attacking the basket in this matchup, which should be effective in cruising past the 78.5 point total.
Los Angeles Sparks -4.5 (-108)
The outlook for the Spark vs. Mercury matchup changed notably following the news that Alyssa Thomas has been ruled out for the second straight game due to her calf injury. The Mercury suffered their second loss of the season during Thomas’s first absence, and they also continue to be without Kahleah Copper due to the knee surgery recovery.
While the Sparks have injury concerns of their own, most notably Cameron Brink recovering from her ACL tear, this is a good spot for them. The Mercury rank second-to-last in rebounding rate and will feel the absence of Thomas on both sides of the ball. It took Satou Sabally exploding for 26 points on 20 shot attempts in the first game without Thomas for the team to have a chance. It will take this type of explosion for the team to get a positive result today.
Instead, expect the Sparks to have too much in this matchup. Kelsey Plum is beginning to settle in with her new team, while Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens each provide additional offensive creation. Expect this matchup to remain competitive and for the Mercury to put up a fight, but for the absence of Alyssa Thomas to prove to be too much. Count on Los Angeles pulling away as the game progresses and covering the -4.5-point spread.
Golden State Valkyries +12 (-112)
The final matchup of the night will be between the Lynx and Valkyries. WNBA MVP candidate Napheesa Collier missed Friday’s game with a knee injury, and her status is uncertain tonight. While Minnesota is the better overall team, this is its second road game in three days, and there are more flaws on the Lynx than their 6-0 record would suggest. Each of their past four wins have been by six points or fewer.
The Valkyries enter with a 2-3 record, but they play hard and are well-coached. They rank third in rebound percentage and attack the offensive glass at an extremely high rate. During their previous loss to the Liberty, the Valkyries pulled in 15 offensive rebounds and should continue that trend against the Lynx.
I am not as bullish on Golden State getting the outright upset, but this is too large of a spread for my liking. Count on the Valkyries to keep the game competitive, and for the rebounding battle to play a major role in deciding the outcome. Expect the effort level from Golden State to be notable and for this matchup to come down to the wire by finishing well within the 12-point margin.
