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, Mercury -4.5 at Wings (+110, BetMGM)
- BetMGM offer: $1500 in Bonus Bets paid back
If not for modern conveniences like air conditioning, the Sonoran Desert, which is where Phoenix is located, would largely be uninhabitable over the summer stretch.
For someone who once baked mid-May through early-October during my residency in the North Valley a few years back, one’s existence is confined either to the pool or comfortable AC-fueled interior. However, even in the oppressive heat, the brief Vitamin D sessions sure beat January's demoralizing gray days in the Midwest.
Similar to thermometer readings outside the Footprint Center, the Mercury are climbing. Hopefully, they bottle up the heat and release it on the road.
Yes, their 9-10 overall record cools the mood. Still, Nate Tibbetts’ team is tough for inferior opponents to extinguish. Also, Dallas has lost 13 of its last 14 games. It's likely the Wings will again fly too close to the sun.
Yes, one of Dallas’ four wins came in the P-H-X, a 107-92 flame-throwing on May 25. However, Brittney Griner didn’t play in that contest. She’s listed as a game-time decision Wednesday due to personal reasons, but, assuming she suits up, her presence is sure to push a different outcome.
The Mercury's interior enforcer is averaging 20.0 points per game this year. In her lone performance against Dallas on June 9 — a 97-90 double-OT thriller won by Phoenix on the road — she tallied 24 points. In seven of her nine games this season, she has surpassed 15 points.
Latricia Trammell’s bunch are regular passengers on the struggle bus. A mess defensively, the Wings have surrendered the most points per game (91.6) in the WNBA over their last 10 contests. Advantage Griner.
Mixing in Phoenix to reign supreme by five points or more (the Mercury have covered in six of their last nine games) in what should be a high-possession affair, an attractive SGP at plus money comes into focus.
WNBA season record: 12-8, +6.98 units