Two struggling teams face off on August 28 as the Washington Mystics head to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Sky.
Rookie Angel Reese has been garnering plenty of attention, but my Mystics vs. Sky predictions are more interested in backing Chicago's other rookie — Kamilla Cardoso. Find out why in my WNBA picks ahead.
Mystics vs Sky predictions
My best bet
Kamilla Cardoso Over 11.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Between an injury to start the season and the attention being given to Angel Reese for her absurd rebounding numbers, Kamilla Cardoso’s rookie season has been overshadowed.
You’d almost think Reese was taken before Cardoso in the draft with how much more buzz there’s been for the former LSU star. But despite the No. 3 overall pick’s slower start to her rookie campaign, Cardoso has really turned it up lately.
The anchor of South Carolina’s undefeated season last year, Cardoso has the size and physicality to be one of the most imposing centers in the sport. She’s averaging nine points per game, however, three of her best performances have come in her last four outings.
Cardoso is averaging 13.2 points since Aug. 17 and should continue to thrive against a struggling Washington Mystics defense.
The Mystics are allowing the fifth-most points per game in the WNBA (83.4) and rank eighth in defensive rating (104.1). They’ve also struggled around the rim, allowing the second-highest 2-point percentage in the league (51.7%).
That makes a player like Cardoso, who spends most of her time on offense in the paint, a tough stop for Washington. This defense already had trouble with her on June 14, where the rook put up 12 points in 24 minutes while shooting 4-for-5 from the floor and 4-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Getting to the line again against Washington will be key for her scoring Over 11.5 points, and it should happen as the Mystics allow the second-most freebies per game in the Dub (20.4).
Mystics vs Sky same-game parlay (SGP)
Kamilla Cardoso Over 11.5 points
Angel Reese Over 14.5 rebounds
Ariel Atkins Over 1.5 made threes
Love her or hate her, you can’t deny Reese is a rebounding force. Even when she's missing several shots in a row, you’ve got to hand it to her for pulling down those boards and running up her numbers.
She’s leading the league in rebounds by a wide margin (12.9 per game), is coming off three straight games of 20+ boards, and is averaging 17.6 rebounds per game since the Olympic break.
Washington also happens to be the worst rebounding team in the league, ranking last in boards per game (32.4). To keep up with the Sky's rookies, the Mystics will need Ariel Atkins to shoot the lights out.
Chicago’s defense ranks seventh in rating (103.5), while Atkins is second on the Mystics in 3-point attempts per game. She’s averaging 1.8 makes per outing, but the two-time All-Star has hit eight in her last three games.
On the season, she’s hit at least two 3-pointers in 16 of 30 games (53.3%), including going 2-for-5 from behind the arc the last time she played Chicago.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Mystics vs Sky odds
Mystics vs Sky live odds
Get the latest Mystics vs Sky WNBA odds for tonight.
Mystics vs Sky opening odds
- Spread: Washington +1.5 (-115) | Chicago -1.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Washington -105 | Chicago -115
- Over/Under: Over 159.5 (-110) | Under 159.5 (-110)
Mystics vs Sky spread and Over/Under analysis
- With a better record this season, the Sky opened favored by as many as 2.5 points, but the line has seen plenty of movement, with the Mystics now between -2.5 and -3.
- Chicago is just 13-16 ATS this season, while Washington is 19-10-1.
- The Over/Under opened between 158.5 and 160.5 and has seen little movement.
- The Sky are 15-14 betting the Over and the Mystics are 15-15.
Mystics vs Sky trend
The Sky are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record. Find more WNBA betting trends for Mystics vs. Sky.
Mystics vs Sky game info
| Location: | Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Wednesday, 8-28-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Monumental Sports, Marquee Sports |
Mystics vs Sky latest injuries
Mystics: No injuries to report.
Sky: Elizabeth Williams C (Out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
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