Top 5 WNBA Player Prop Bet Odds & Picks: Saturday (5/18)
There are four games on tap today, featuring a matinee in Brooklyn, a rematch from earlier in the week, defending champs and a youthful vibrancy in Atlanta that will certainly be worth keeping an eye on for the 2024 season.
Without any further preamble, let’s jump right into a pair of WNBA contests as we break down the top props for May, 18.
Top 5 WNBA Player Prop Bet Odds & Picks: Saturday (5/18)
Breanna Stewart Over 0.5 Double-Double
The Fever had absolutely no answers for Breanna Stewart during their first meeting in Indiana earlier this week. By halftime, the New York forward already had amassed 20 points.
Finding an adjustment to quell that type of dominance doesn’t seem feasible. This correlates to the matchup more than anything. Indiana doesn’t have the size or length to limit Stewart offensively or on the boards.
Had this game been scheduled for tonight instead of at noon, points would be the preferred selection. There’s nothing unusual about shots not falling in a contest that has an early start time, especially after coming back from a road game.
The Liberty superstar only needed 29 minutes to grab 10 rebounds against this opponent on Thursday. If this contest can stay a little closer, that would provide an opportunity for a small increase in playing time, making the double-double even more attainable.
Caitlin Clark Under 28.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Thursday was a rough outing for the young sensation out of Iowa, and her body language told the tale in full. New York’s tenacious pressure kept Caitlin Clark off the perimeter, closed down passing lanes and overall made things extremely frustrating on the offensive end.
There’s nothing in this matchup between the teams to suggest that the Fever guard will be able to increase her points to closer to 20, which is what is being assumed in this total.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s defense was nothing short of hounding, leaving Clark with very minimal space to operate. Forcing her to rush shots and passes, and pick up fouls setting screens.
Considering the success, the Liberty will once again want to replicate this intensity on defense, creating as little opportunity as possible for the Indiana rookie.
Jackie Young Over 17. 5 Points
Chelsea Gray will once again miss this contest recovering from a foot injury suffered in the finals last season. This opens the door for the rest of the playmakers on the team to shine. This is especially true for Jackie Young.
In the first contest for Las Vegas on the season, the star guard was masterful. Posting a stout line of 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and hitting nine free throws out of ten attempts from the stripe.
What stood out the most was the number of field-goal attempts. Young hoisted up 23 shots, clearly a green-light situation where coach Becky Hammon is showing full confidence in her abilities.
With that type of clearance to shoot, and the propensity to get to the line, this seems like a great selection and one of our favorite picks of the slate.
Teaira McCowan Over 13.5 Points
Teaira McCowan only needed 29 minutes of playing time to post a massive line of 18 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks against the Chicago Sky in their first meeting on Wednesday.
Once again, these two teams face off in what should be a highly physical contest, featuring a plethora of size and strength from both sides.
The Dallas Forward may see a small increase in minutes if this can stay close. That will be determined predominately by whether Angel Reese can avoid foul trouble. With Reese out of the game, the only defense for McCowan came in the form of players off the bench who put up little to no resistance protecting the rim or the glass.
If the double-double selection wasn’t at 0.7x that would be the top pick of the day. Nevertheless, the total for the points is a fantastic spot to get in on as well.
Rhyne Howard Over 17.5 Points
Rhyne Howard comes across as an absolute star, one the league and fans should surely take notice of if they haven’t already.
Atlanta as a team is going to be fun to watch in 2024 — a group that may defy preseason projections regarding talent as well as standings.
In the team’s first contest against the Los Angeles Sparks, Howard scored 25 points on an efficient 56% shooting from the field (including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc).
As the Dream’s top offensive weapon, we expect the young star to continue scoring in bunches for what should be a high-paced matchup against the Phoenix Mercury.
Enjoy the games tonight and good luck with your picks.
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday: