It hasn’t been the best season for the Dallas Wing. But Paige Bueckers has sure arrived.
The WNBA is a tough league to adjust to. The physicality takes a considerable step up from the NCAA, and perimeter players often have the hardest time making the jump. Bueckers is making the jump, and then some. The No. 1 overall pick is averaging 18 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. She’s already running away with the Rookie of the Year award.
The more difficult thing to balance has been the usage sharing with Arike Ogunbowale. Only a third of the way into the season, it’s become clear that Bueckers is leading the dance while Ogunbowale follows. This is Bueckers’ team now, and while this team isn’t near a playoff spot, it’ll be molded in her image from now on. Sunday’s game in Washington is another chance to affirm her place.
The Mystics are 3.5-point favorites at home and are -166 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 164.5 points. Let’s look at the best bets and predictions for this contest.
Best Paige Bueckers Prop Bets
20+ Points Scored (+100)
This Mystics backcourt defense is quite good. Brittney Sykes has always been an excellent perimeter defender, and rookie Sonia Citron chases well around screens. That is a solid formula for keeping a lid on Bueckers. But I’m not sure if that will matter in this one.
To understand Bueckers’ season you have to split it in two parts. Over the first six games, Paige took 11.8 shots per game and scored 14.7 points. In the four games since, she’s taking 18 shots per game and scoring 23 points. She’s taking the reins in both hands after an adjustment period, and looking like an All-Star in the process.
Sykes and Citron could give her enough trouble to stop her from reaching 20, but I’m not counting on it. Back Bueckers all the way in this one.
