Predictions, Betting Odds, and Analyses for WNBA Matches from May 16-17
Revamped Article:
Gear up, sports fans! The WNBA is back, and it's set to be a thrilling season. Here's a breakdown of must-watch matchups and our tips for the opening fixtures, along with some juicy bet suggestions.
Keep an eye on this space as I'll be dishing out WNBA picks almost every day throughout the season (based on the WNBA schedule, duh!). Don't miss out on the first three WNBA pieces I jotted down, which covered win totals (Part 1 | Part 2), championship odds, and MVP futures.
Without further ado, let's dive into the game projections from the T-Shoe Index:
Opening Night Temptations
Dallas Wings vs Minnesota Lynx (-5.5), O/U 163.5
Paige Bueckers sets foot into the WNBA stage against the Minnesota Lynx – who are missing star player Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith is questionable for this one. Initially, the Lynx were 8-point favorites, but the line dropped to 5.5 after McBride's absence was announced. The O/U opened at 165.5 and has since slipped to 163.5.
Based on T-Shoe Index projections, Minnesota is expected to win by 7 points, and the total stands at 166. The total makes sense considering the key players on the sidelines, but there might still be value in betting on Dallas. Who knows? Bridget Carleton might score over 10.5 points with Smith and McBride out of the game.
Advice: Tread cautiously, costs seem high for Dallas.
Washington Mystics vs Atlanta Dream (-7.5), O/U 157.5
If you've been following my win totals article, you're already aware that I'm more optimistic about Atlanta this year post offseason acquisitions. Washington will be sans Georgia Amoore for the season and will also miss Aaliyah Edwards and Shikira Austin for this game.
T-Shoe Index projects Atlanta as a 5-point favorite, with a total of 155. Factoring in the injuries, this line appears reasonable, but if you acted quickly, you might've caught the 3.5 or 4 odds earlier in the week. I'd lean towards the Under, but I'm hesitant, considering the early-season rust and roster moves.
Insight: I'd consider Under 157.5, but tread carefully.
Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks (-6.5), O/U 162
This game may not be the crown jewel of this slate, but it catches my attention due to the Valkyries debut and Kelsey Plum's launch as a Spark. Originally, LA was a 7.5-point favorite, but the line has been inching down as we approach tipoff. The Over/Under has seen a sizeable surge up to 162 after opening around 159. T-Shoe Index projects LA as just a 1-point favorite, with a total of 164. Let's ride the numbers and hope Golden State isn't as subpar as the market predicts.
Wager: Bet on Valkyries +6.5 (Play to +5)
Spectacular Saturday Showdowns
New York Liberty (-4) vs Las Vegas Aces, O/U 168
This promises to be the marquee game of the weekend, featuring defending champs Liberty versus the retooled 2x champions Aces, with Jewell Lloyd joining the action. The Liberty opened as 4.5-point favorites, sliding down to 4 and even 3.5 in certain spots. The Over/Under is listed at 168. T-Shoe Index projects Liberty as 5.5-point favorites with a total of 164.5, but I'm not entirely convinced about an Under bet before assessing Vegas's new playing style with Lloyd on board. I might snatch NY if the line dips to 3, but for now, I'll just lean that way.
Perspective: Consider NY -4, but keep an eye on Vegas's offense with Jewell Lloyd.
Indiana Fever (-7.5) vs. Chicago Sky, O/U 168
While these teams might not be the cream of the crop, this matchup will hog the spotlight due to the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese face-off. If you recall from my win totals piece, T-Shoe Index has lower expectations for Indiana but is optimistic about Chicago. The line opened at 7.5, before dipping as low as 6.5 and shooting back up to 7.5, while the O/U has fluctuated between 167.5 and 168.5. T-Shoe Index predicts Indiana as a 4-point favorite with a total of 162.5; however, the pool of roster and coaching moves might impact pace, so I'm wary of totals for now. I favor Chicago, so I'm making it a wager.
Bet: Sky +7.5 (Play to +6)
Phoenix Mercury (-2) vs. Seattle Storm, O/U 162.5
Mercury star Kahleah Copper dealt with a workout absence this week, according to reports. Even with Copper in the fold, T-Shoe Index is not as hyped up on the Mercury as the market seems to be. I reckon Seattle's Ezi Magbegor could be one of the most underrated players in the league, and I believe Seattle is being undervalued here. The line opened at Phoenix -2.5, dropping to 3 and now reclining to 1.5 at some books. T-Shoe Index agrees with the recent line movement, projecting Seattle as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 163.5. If Copper misses action, Seattle provides even more value, so act swiftly before the line slips further.
Wager: Storm +2 (Play to pick)
Stay tuned for all my WNBA picks, including prop bets and live plays. Follow me on T-ShoeIndex for real-time updates on everything WNBA-related!
Bonus Reading:
- Player Shining Brightly:WNBA MVP Betting Odds: Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers
- Ring Chasers:WNBA Championship Betting Odds and Predictions
- Preseason Previews and Win Total Bets:WNBA Season Previews and Win Total Bets: Dream, Sky, Sun, Wings, Valkyries, Fever
- College football odds for the upcoming season have been announced. With a high-scoring offense, the Miami Hurricanes could have an 'over' point total of 7.5 for the season.
- For the upcoming WNBA season, the Dallas Wings may seem like longshots in many games, given their tough schedule. However, if their defense improves, they could potentially beat the 'over/under' point total odds in certain matches.
- The sports world will also be watching for the return of the WNBA, with the Seattle Storm starting the season as underdogs against the Phoenix Mercury. If star player Kahleah Copper is out due to injury, Seattle could be a surprising 'over' bet for the season's opening game.
