The Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky are both in the early stages of a rebuild, but fans have to be happy with what they’ve seen from both Cameron Brink and Angel Reese so far. Both players have started their careers making a name for themselves through strong interior play, and I believe the WNBA odds are undervaluing the Stanford phenom in particular.
My free WNBA picks for Sparks vs. Sky detail why Brink should have another productive night on the glass.
Sparks vs Sky predictions
My best bet
Cameron Brink Over 6.5 rebounds (+104 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Though somewhat begrudgingly, the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky are both in a rebuilding mode this season. That means they’re hoping to see quick progress from their high draft picks, with the view of competing as soon as next year.
As of now, both teams' top available prospects are bigs in Cameron Brink and Angel Reese, and as such it’s no surprise that the battle on the boards will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this game.
Not only have I loved what I’ve seen from Brink so far, but I think the nature of Chicago’s team puts her in a strong position to succeed on Thursday.
It doesn’t seem like the Sky should be this bad on the boards, but they are almost comically terrible. They rank 10 out of 12 teams in the W in rebounding percentage and have a league-worst 61.5% defensive rebounding rate.
Last season the W’s worst defensive rebounding team was the Phoenix Mercury, who allowed their opponents to rebound 32.6% of their misses. The Sky have been more than six percentage points worse so far.
That Mercury squad played a lot of small guards who either had athletic shortcomings or a simple lack of doggedness. The Sky have a similar issue, with major minutes going to Dana Evans, Lindsay Allen, and Chennedy Carter. Brink should have chances against weak or absent boxouts, supplementing her already prolific defensive rebounding numbers with some putbacks on the offensive boards.
And speaking of her work on the defensive glass, the Sky should be of help there as well. They have the lowest effective field goal percentage in the W at just 46%, ensuring that Brink will have ample opportunity to accrue defensive boards as well.
Brink is a legit 6-foot-4 statue and averaged just shy of 12 rebounds a game in her final season at Stanford. While the 22-year-old has shown the inconsistencies expected of any rookie, she’s already had three games with eight or more rebounds.
These odds won’t be available at plus money much longer this season.
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Sparks vs Sky same-game parlay (SGP)
Cameron Brinks Over 6.5 rebounds
Over 161.5
Dearica Hamby Over 18.5 points
By roster construction, one might conceive of this as a low-scoring game, which is no doubt in part why the total has been dropping like a stone since opening at 164.5.
But while the fully developed versions of these teams might end up as stingy defenses, they are currently both works in progress. Both the Sparks and Sky make a lot of mistakes and give their opponents a lot of easy opportunities to capitalize.
For their part, the Sky allow more opponent points in the paint than any other team, while also giving up the most second-chance points. That’s where Dearica Hamby makes her living.
Meanwhile, the Sparks can’t stop coughing it up. They’re turning it over 17.8 times a game, leading to 21.0 opponent points. I expect offense will flow from both teams more easily than is being projected.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Sparks vs Sky odds
Sparks vs Sky live odds
Get the latest Sparks vs Sky WNBA odds for tonight.
Sparks vs Sky opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles +2.5 (-110) | Chicago -2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +104 | Chicago -139
- Over/Under: Over 164.5 (-116) | Under 164.5 (-118)
Sparks vs Sky spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Sky opened at -2.5 with action on the home team pushing that as high as -4.5 as of Thursday morning.
- Chicago is 3-1 against the spread in its last four games.
- Thursday’s total came in at 164.5 on Wednesday, but that has dropped as much as three points to 161.5 at most sportsbooks.
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Sparks vs Sky trend
Overs are 20-17 to begin the WNBA season. Find more WNBA betting trends for Sparks vs. Sky.
Sparks vs Sky game info
| Location: | Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Thursday, 5-30, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Marquee Sports Network, Spectrum SportsNet |
Sparks vs Sky latest injuries
Sparks: Julie Allemand PG (Out), Azura Stevens PF/C (Out).
Sky: Kamilla Cardoso C (Out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
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