Now that we’re out of the WNBA All-Star break, it’s time for the sprint to the playoffs. The Seattle Storm are still running the race, while the Dallas Wings limp to the finish.
If the season ended today, the Storm would get home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. It’s around where they hoped to be. This will be an interesting two weeks to see if the Storm are deadline buyers in order to boost their chances.
It’s an interesting time for Dallas, but for different reasons. At 6-17, it’s well outside the WNBA playoff picture, and the selling has begun. Former No. 2 pick NaLyssa Smith was dealt to the Aces for a future first-round pick. Outside of the rookies, I would imagine the Wings will take calls on just about any player as they look to secure the top lottery odds. The idea of pairing Azzi Fudd with Paige Bueckers has to get them excited, but that’s a ways off.
The Storm are 9.5-point favorites at home and -470 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is 165 points. Let’s look at the best bets and predictions for this contest.
Wings vs. Storm Prediction
I’m surprised this line is so generous for the Wings. After their 5-2 stretch that turned heads, Dallas has dropped four games in a row. The defense is hemorrhaging points at a rate their offense cannot keep up with. It’s a poor formula that has completely its their season.
The only thing that can save the Wings is the lack of scoring punch from the Storm. They’ve been an average offense for most of the year, one that hasn’t exploded often. While they do possess good offensive talents, it hasn’t quite gelled yet. If there is a chance that Dallas can win this one, it would be fueled by Seattle’s offense coming out flat. But that’s a narrow path for the rapidly tanking Wings. I’m riding with Seattle in this one.
Wings vs. Storm Pick
Under 164.5 Total Points (-110)
One thing is certain: Seattle’s defense has a significant advantage over this Dallas offense. Gabby Williams can chase Paige Bueckers around, making life hard on the WNBA All-Star. They’ll have Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor patrolling inside the perimeter. And the rest of the Wings roster isn’t taking enough pressure off Bueckers to be the engine for a full 40 minutes.
I’m also convinced that the defense will be suffocating enough to let Seattle’s offense pull away in this game. I’m adding another Wings vs. Storm pick and taking Seattle to cover the 9.5-point spread.
