Wednesday September 17th WNBA Playoffs Best Betting Picks, Predictions

There’s no better time to bet on sports than the postseason. With the WNBA playoffs underway this week, here are some of the best bets.

Liberty vs. Mercury Odds

Spread: New York Liberty (-2.5) (-112) vs. Phoenix Mercury (+2.5) (-108)
Moneyline: Liberty -148 | Mercury +120
Total Points (Over/Under): 159.5 (-112/-108)

New York put on a defensive masterclass in their 76-69 win Sunday. The Liberty held Phoenix to 32.5 percent shooting from the field and 23.1 percent from three, including a combined 4-for-28 from starters Satou Sabally and Monique Akoa Makani.

These numbers may not be sustainable, though.

The Liberty sported a middle-of-the-pack defense — sixth in the league with 80.3 points allowed per game — this season, while the Mercury averaged 82.8 points a contest.

Liberty guard Natasha Cloud matched her season high with 23 points, along with six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Breanna Stewart added an efficient 18 points, though a knee injury forced her out of the game in overtime. She’s now questionable for Game 2.

Cloud likely won’t replicate this performance, and even if Stewart is active for the second game of the series, her injury may linger.

Best Bet: Mercury Moneyline (+120, FanDuel)

Phoenix is due for some offensive regression in Game 2 after going through a frigid stretch in the series opener. The Mercury scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and overtime in Game 1.

Their shooting is bound to improve, and with that will come a win that forces a decisive Game 3 in Phoenix.

Prop Pick: Satou Sabally Over 14.5 Points (-114)

The All-Star forward had likely her worst shooting night of the season Sunday, going 2-for-17 from the field and 1-for-10 from three. Coach Nate Tibbetts also clearly gave her the green light. Sabally played nearly 37 minutes, finishing second on the team in field goals attempted and first in threes taken.

She averaged 16.3 points per game this year, and with a shortened, seven-player rotation in the postseason, Sabally will have ample opportunity to hit the over.

Lynx vs. Valkyries Odds

Spread: Minnesota Lynx (-10) (-114) vs. Golden State Valkyries (+10) (-106)
Moneyline: Lynx -600 | Valkyries +420
Total Points (Over/Under): 151.5 (-112/-108)

Minnesota thrashed Golden State in Sunday’s Game 1, defeating the first-year expansion Valkyries 101-72. On paper, this isn’t unexpected. The Lynx tied the WNBA record for single-season wins while the Valkyries finished just above .500. This matchup really shouldn’t be close, just as the oddsmakers think.

Golden State has had a penchant for defying the odds, however. While the Valkyries may not force a Game 3, it’s hard to imagine they will concede triple-digit points in a blowout loss for a second consecutive game.

Best Bet: Valkyries +10 (-106)

The Valkyries had the league’s best defense, a stifling unit that allowed 76.3 points per game. Minnesota shot over 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three, and became only the third team to score over 100 points against Golden State this season.

If the Valkyries’ defense plays a solid game and the offense is competent, they should cover the spread and make Game 2 a single-digit affair.

Prop Pick: Napheesa Collier Over 20.5 Points (-122)

As usual, Collier led Minnesota in scoring in Game 1 with 20 points, sitting right below her line for Wednesday’s game. She attempted only 11 shots, though, second to Sixth Player of the Year contender Natisha Hiedeman’s 15. Hiedeman and forward Jessica Shepard combined for 30 bench points for Minnesota.

While the Lynx’s depth has been one of the foremost reasons for their success, Collier firmly remains the number one option. She averages roughly 16 field goal attempts and 22.9 points per game. Golden State may slow down the sparkplugs on Minnesota’s bench in Game 2, but Collier will still produce.