Today's WNBA best bets
Indiana Fever at New York Liberty (-2, 139.5)
It all boils down to one simple word for the Indiana Fever: balance.
The ballers from the Hoosier State have been giving opponents headaches this season with their diversified attack. The Fever feature three players in double figures and two others not far behind. Indiana, just a half game back of Washington for first place in the Eastern Conference, is led by Katie Douglas (17.7 ppg), Tamika Catchings (13.3) and Ebony Hoffman (10.5). Tammy Sutton-Brown (9.7) and Tully Bevilaqua (8.8) also are threats.
New York, however, features just two players – Shameka Christon (18.2 ppg) and Janel McCarville (11.7) – who crack double figures. The Liberty’s lack of offensive punch is a big reason the team has struggled to a 2-4 record.
The Liberty will get nothing free against the Fever.
Pick: Fever
Detroit Shock at Atlanta Dream (-2, 155)
Marynell Meadows, coach of the Atlanta Dream, believes the light may be going on for rookie and first round draft pick Angel McCoughtry.
"She’s finally starting to get our system and understand how to play as a professional," the coach told reporters.
The development of the former Louisville star, who is averaging 10.9 points, 2.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds in nearly 18 minutes per game, is crucial for Atlanta. And McCoughtry’s 26-point, eight-assist performance in a 99-98 loss to Chicago earlier in the week has given her coach hope she can boost a team stocked with veterans.
If Atlanta gets McCoughtry to gel with a lineup including Sancho Lyttle (15 ppg, 8 rpg), Chamique Holdsclaw (13.4, 4.1) and Nikki Teasley (4.6, 2.7 apg), the Dream can entertain visions of the playoffs.
The Shock appear to be moving in a different direction. The team lost coach Bill Laimbeer after he resigned earlier this month in hopes of landing an NBA job. Maybe instead he saw the writing on the wall. The defending champs are missing the injured Cheryl Ford and the suspended Kara Braxton.
The Shock, who have lost four of five games this year, should see their nightmare continue.
Pick: Dream
INDIANA (4 - 2) at NEW YORK (2 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 63-92 ATS (-38.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 65-94 ATS (-38.4 Units) in road games since 1997.
INDIANA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
NEW YORK is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT (1 - 4) at ATLANTA (3 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in home games after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 0-11 ATS (-12.1 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (1 - 5) at SAN ANTONIO (2 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 8-5 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-5 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES (2 - 4) at SEATTLE (5 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-4 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 6-4 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons