The Storm and Sparks meet in a critical matchup on Monday, Sep. 1. The two teams are fighting for a playoff spot with just a handful of games remaining.
Seattle is a six-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 174 points.
Here’s my prediction and pick for Monday’s Storm vs. Sparks matchup.
Storm vs. Sparks prediction
The Storm and Sparks have yet to clinch a playoff berth, making this matchup so important for both sides. Seattle is currently the seventh seed, while Los Angeles is the ninth seed.
The Sparks have six games remaining, so it gives them some time to make up some ground. They’ll be reliant on Kelsey Plum to lead the group to the postseason.
Los Angeles will also need some help from others, too. Any losses from the Valkyries, Storm and Fever would be significant. Technically the Liberty have not clinched a playoff berth yet, but that’s a bit far-fetched.
The Storm are at home in this matchup, which is surprisingly not an advantage for the team. They’re 9-10 at home this season, but 13-9 on the road. Meanwhile, the Sparks are 8-12 at home and 10-8 on the road.
Seattle does have the rest advantage, however. Los Angeles played on Sunday, defeating the Mystics. This will be the second night of a back-to-back. Not only that, but the team played a tough game, needing Plum to score 14 points in the fourth quarter to get the victory.
A tired team could be an issue on Monday, and that would certainly hurt the Sparks’ playoff hopes.
Storm vs. Sparks pick, best bet
The Sparks are better on the road, and the Storm are worse at home. That shouldn’t matter too much, however. Rest will be the main difference. Playing a tough game on Sunday and immediately traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle for another game is a challenge in itself.
Factor in that Seattle is a potent squad hungry to solidify its playoff seed. It’s going to be very difficult for the Sparks.
The Storm will win and cover the six-point spread.