STD 7.6-10, -2.9 units.
Favorites actually won more than they lost yesterday, breaking a season-long trend.
So, of course I am taking two favorites today.
1) Stars +2', -113
Wanted to take them on the moneyline, but got a ridiculous price of +1.05 so I took the line instead. British books, they give you the absolute worst lines, it is a shame that matchbook is not offering WNBA games.
If I get beat in this game, it will be because Chicago will have a complete reversal of form. Vandersloot is gone, so one of three players, Quigley, Pondexter or Dolson will have stepped up. Quigley has the capability, but she has not had the opportunities this year.
Dolson and Pondexter I have gone over in great detail in multiple posts about them,.....Pondexter has easily been the worst starting player in the W this year. Maybe she puts herself in a time warp and takes over the game, but I've put money on that she hasn't or won't.
Stars are ready to win and they have a team that they are equal to in talent, but they don't have the glaring deficiencies of the Sky. If they get their butts to the rim, they'll be fine and should win. Just find whoever Dolson is guarding and give her the ball!
2) Phoenix -1'
Sparks don't have the "it" factor this year. If Taurasi goes 4 for 17 this game like she did last game the Mercury could lose, but I think they will prevail. Home favorites do well on Saturdays and historically do even better if their opponents have no rest. Teams are smelling blood in the water with the Sparks. Ogwumike is still great, though not shooting astronomically awesome like she did last year. Parker has looked bored and/or uninterested and the other starters have looked less than average.
Typically on no rest, teams do less well in the effort statistics like offensive rebounding, getting loose balls and getting back on defense. Especially in close games those things will matter. Unless Taurasi or Griner goes into a funk, I expect a big second half out of the Mercury.
3) Connecticut -3'
Obviously I moved too soon on this game. I liked them at this price and think they'll get the money. I've got a crush on this team, let's just say I've had my heart broken before....not today, the Sun win it.