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: Brittney Griner 15+ points, Dewanna Bonner 15+ points, Storm ML (+111, BetMGM)
- BetMGM offer: $1500 in Bonus Bets paid back
Illusionists often mystify the mind. Their sleight of hand, often grandiose presentations and general showmanship perpetuate nothing but second guesses.
In the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun have pulled endless tricks from their sleeves. To some, their 14-4 record has many asking “How?” Yes, the league’s most surprising franchise has benefited from a soft schedule, but currently in the midst of a more daunting gauntlet, the Sun continue to win.
With the fifth-hardest remaining slate, Stephanie White’s squad is sure to face steady tests, but if Connecticut continues to razzle-dazzle, thoughts of its decline will magically disappear.
In what should be a stiff challenge Monday night in Phoenix, will the Sun rise to the occasion?
Matching a play in that showdown with action in Wings vs. Storm, here’s a parlay for Monday.
Brittney Griner 15+ points vs. Sun. With her frightening imprisonment in Russia hopefully behind her, Griner is getting back to what she does best — raining buckets in the post. Shooting an ultra-efficient 58.5% from the floor, she has scored at least 15 points in six of eight games this season. The Sun have allowed the fewest points per game (73.1), but sliding slightly in their last five contests, they’ve allowed the third-highest opponent field-goal percentage (48.0%). At home, where she’s averaging 20.8 points, Griner gashes ‘em.
Dewanna Bonner 15+ points at Mercury. In her 14th season, the Connecticut forward is a seasoned scorer. Enjoying one of the best campaigns of her esteemed career, the five-time All-Star has consistently filled up the cup inside the arc and out. Averaging north of the needed number at 16.7 points per game, she’s scored at least 15 in 14 of 18 contests. Her shot volume (14.1 per game) and free-throw attempt average (4.4) suggest the points should pile up. So does the matchup. Over their last 10 games, the Mercury have surrendered the fifth-most points (83.1). They’re also No. 2 in pace over that stretch. In what should be a high-scoring battle, Bonner booms once again in the box score.
Storm ML vs. Wings. Taking on Dallas in back-to-back games, the Storm, with sharp scissors in hand, are set to clip the Wings. Having already beaten Latricia Trammell’s bunch twice this year — 92-84 on June 13 and 97-76 last Saturday — Seattle should open up a can again with its prolific offense. Dallas ranks near or at rock bottom in multiple defensive categories, including defensive rating (107.0, 11th), opponent field-goal percentage (45.3, 11th) and opponent points per game (87.7, 12th). Given the Wings’ leaky defense and the Storm’s pedal-to-the-metal pace (No. 2 in the W), Jewell Lloyd and cohorts — who are heavily favored at -11.5 (BetMGM) — likely coast to a victory.
WNBA season record: 11-7, +5.95 units