Thanks to the influx of extraordinary young talent, the popularity of the WNBA is blowing up. Unsurprisingly, the betting markets are too. Showing respect to the wonderful women’s game, this gambler will occasionally dip his toe in the WNBA wagering waters.
The pick — SGP: Caitlin Clark 3+ threes, Angel Reese 10+ rebounds (+142, FanDuel)
FanDuel offers:
Forget across-the-pond action in the beautiful game, championship quests in the NHL and NBA, major-title dreams at Pinehurst or rivalry clashes in baseball. The main sporting event this weekend might be a battle between two under-.500 WNBA teams early Sunday in Indianapolis.
Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever. Caitlin Clark against storied college archrival Angel Reese. Oh baby, the drama will reach a fevered pitch. Let the smack talk fly, ladies.
Neither team is trending toward the playoffs, but the energy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is sure to pack a postseason-like buzz. The outcome and specific production tied to the rookie stars will also likely sway the Rookie of the Year futures market. Clark remains the heavy favorite at -900 (BetMGM), but Reese, who is a delicious +850 to take home the award, could state her case that the recipient is far from a lock.
On June 1, the Fever squeaked out a 71-70 victory over the Sky in a nail-biter. What does the growing feud have in store for the second showdown? Here’s how this -EV bettor is playing his SGP card.
Caitlin Clark 3+ threes. Admittedly, Chicago is the most brutal on-paper matchup for the much-publicized gunner. This season, the Sky rank No. 1 in fewest opponent made threes per game (6.0) and No. 2 in lowest opponent three-point percentage (29.8%). Unmistakably, the team’s sheer length is a challenge. Clark is always up for the task, but she has cashed the over only once in her last five games. And in that first matchup against the Sky, she was just 2-for-9 from distance. Still, her limitless range and three-point volume (8.2 attempts per game) are convincing characteristics. Splash from the logo, Caitlin.
Angel Reese 10+ rebounds. With five straight double-doubles, Reese is seriously crashing the glass. She grabbed 13 boards in the first Fever matchup and has hauled in at least 10 rebounds in seven of her last eight games. Averaging 11.8 boards in June, Basketball Barbie should again own the interior against an Indiana squad that has allowed the fourth-most opponent rebounds this year (35.8 per game). It’s no surprise Reese is quickly becoming one of the W’s most punishing paint enforcers.
WNBA season record: 2-4, -1.47 units