WNBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (9/6)
Friday night's WNBA slate is a loaded one with four games on deck. Two of the matchups are potential playoff previews. Our WNBA picks will focus on one of those as Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever take on the Minnesota Lynx. Plus, the Chicago Sky are fighting for a postseason berth as they face the Los Angeles Sparks tonight. Note that all betting lines are accurate as of this writing, but shop around for the best odds. Enjoy these top WNBA predictions and betting picks!
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Friday’s Best WNBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Sparks at Chicago Sky (-5.5) - O/U 163.5 (-112/-108)
Friday night's game between the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks features two of the league's worst teams. As we look closer at the matchup, though, there's a betting edge despite the struggles of both squads.
The Sky are stuck in a seven-game losing streak and have lost 10 of their last 12 games. It's been a rough stretch for a team that's still battling for the eighth and final playoff berth. As bad as Chicago has been, though, Los Angeles is even worse.
The Sparks have lost 9 of their last 10 games and are just 3-19 over the past 22 games. They have a league-worst 7-26 record this year and are just 2-15 on the road. Los Angeles' -7.4 point differential and -8.7 net rating are both dead last in the WNBA this season.
Backing Chicago has been very risky this year, but we can have more confidence against easy opponents. The Sky have performed well against the spread (ATS) as favorites this season, though it hasn't happened often. Chicago is 6-3 ATS as the favorite, including three straight covers.
Meanwhile, the Sparks are just 5-13-1 ATS as single-digit underdogs or as favorites this year. Oddly enough, LA has overperformed as a double-digit dog when expected to be blown out. In closer matchups, though, the Sparks have consistently struggled.
One key player who can help end the Sky's losing streak is guard Chennedy Carter. After missing the past four games due to illness, Carter was back at practice yesterday and is expected to play tonight. Her return will be a huge boost to Chicago's offense as Carter is averaging a team-high 17.2 PPG this season.
Angel Reese should also give Chicago a notable advantage on the glass tonight. The rookie has been a rebounding machine all season but especially lately, averaging 16.4 boards per game since the Olympic break. Back the Sky to cover in their win over the Sparks here.
WNBA Pick: Sky -5.5 (-108)
Minnesota Lynx (-2.5) at Indiana Fever - O/U 169.5 (-110/-110)
One of Friday night's marquee matchups features the Indiana Fever hosting the Minnesota Lynx. These are two of the WNBA's hottest teams right now. The Lynx are 8-1 over their past nine games while the Fever are 9-2 over their past 11 contests. Let's break down how to bet on this entertaining showdown.
Since the Olympic break, Indiana boasts arguably the league's top offense. The Fever are averaging a league-high 91.4 PPG in this stretch while ranking first in three-point percentage (39.8%) and three-pointers made per game (11.3). The potent offense also leads the WNBA in pace and offensive rating since the season resumed.
The Fever's scoring surge is led by Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, who are both playing at a high level right now. Since the break, Mitchell is averaging 25.6 PPG and shooting 44.8% from three while Clark is scoring 24.5 PPG with a 38.8% three-point percentage. The duo is showing no signs of slowing down heading into tonight's matchup.
Meanwhile, Minnesota's offense is also rolling over the past few weeks. Since the season resumed, the Lynx are averaging 87.1 PPG with a league-best 48.5% field-goal percentage and a 38.1% three-point rate (second in WNBA). Napheesa Collier is averaging 21.5 PPG while shooting 55.7% from the field over the past eight games.
Though Minnesota's defense is still an elite unit in the league, we can expect Indiana's fast-paced style to set the tone for the flow tonight. Plus, the Lynx have had some defensive lapses on the road recently. They're allowing 86.2 PPG over their past five away contests and just gave up 94 points to Dallas in their last road matchup.
Indiana, on the other hand, has the best home shooting percentage in the league this season at 46.1%. The Fever are also averaging 92.4 PPG over their past five home games with at least 92 points in four of those.
Indiana is 8-4 to the over in the past 12 games. The Fever and Lynx recently faced each other on August 24th and the Over cashed with 170 total points scored. Grab the Over in tonight's meeting.
WNBA Pick: Over 169.5 Total Points (-110)
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