The New York Liberty and Chicago Sky haven't played since their openers last Saturday and have the advantage of being well-rested on both ends.
On one hand, the defending champs come off of a dominating win over the Las Vegas Aces after hoisting their first banner in Barclays Center. They hit the road to challenge a Sky team that has some residual animosity after a testy opener against the Indiana Fever which resulted in a massive 35-point loss for Chicago.
The motivation is there for the home team in this matchup, but whether or not they can upset the Liberty — who enter this matchup as 11.5-point favorites — is another story.
Let's take a dive into why New York's spread is enticing in my Liberty vs. Sky predictions and WNBA picks for Thursday, May 22.
Liberty vs Sky predictions
My Liberty vs Sky best bet: Liberty -11.5 (+100 at BetMGM)
With nearly five days since their last game played, these two teams should be energized enough to give us all that they've got to make it an entertaining matchup.
The New York Liberty, undoubtedly, come in with the upper-hand and with much of their core being retained and the addition of Natasha Cloud — who was stellar in her first game with the Libs with a 22-point, 6-rebound, 9-assist performance — the Chicago Sky may be in over their heads.
Looking back at last season, the Liberty managed to skate by the Sky with victories in three of the four regular-season meetings. All four matchups were decided by double-digit margins and that's exactly where I feel comfortable in laying the points with New York.
Don't get me wrong, I don't see the Sky coming out defeated from the jump. They will be in front of their home crowd with a new coach and some new additions for the first time this season. Points are to be proven, especially after shooting a dismal 29.1% against the Fever. That said, I see a similar rhythm to what the Liberty saw from the Aces last week, spurts from the Sky to keep them close throughout the game.
But the Liberty are more experienced and have had the Sky's number for quite some time now. In the second half, I see New York pulling away to rack in another win by points more than the spread suggests. Take the Liberty to wind up their opponent in the Windy City and cover.
Liberty vs Sky same-game parlay (SGP)
Liberty -10.5
Breanna Stewart 25+ points
Angel Reese 8+ rebounds
Not only do the Liberty have the advantage of securing this win with ease, but it's been seen that no one has more fun against the Sky than Breanna Stewart does. In previous matchups, Stewie has been exceptional with racking up double-doubles when facing Chicago.
From her 21-point, 10-rebound performance last May to the 33-point performance on 56% shooting with a side dish of 14 rebounds last June were a prime example of Stewart having some of her best games when the Sky come up on their schedule. I don't see that changing tonight. The Liberty are feeling great about themselves to start the season, and I can imagine Stewie will add more sauce to the palate with scoring 25+ points.
The conversation can't end without throwing in a rebounding prop for Angel Reese. Despite her competitiveness, let's remember that the Liberty were the same team that humbled Reese by ending her double-double streak last season. Between Stewie and Jonquel Jones on the offensive and defensive end, expect rebounding opportunities to be slim for Reese this time around to keep her at a modest number.
Liberty vs Sky odds
Liberty vs Sky live odds
Liberty vs Sky opening odds
- Spread: New York -11.5 (+100) | Chicago +11.5 (-120)
- Moneyline: New York -625 | Chicago +450
- Over/Under: Over 163.5 (-115) | Under 163.5 (-105)
Liberty vs Sky trend
The Liberty won three of four regular-season matchups last season, with all three victories coming by double-digits. Find more WNBA betting trends for Liberty vs. Sky.
How to watch Liberty vs Sky
| Location | Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois |
| Date | Thursday, 5-22-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | WWOR, WCIU |
Liberty vs Sky latest injuries
Liberty: No injuries to report.
Sky: No injuries to report.
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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