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 8+ assists, Brittney Griner 18+ points (-110, BetMGM)
- BetMGM offer: $1500 in Bonus Bets paid back
It didn’t take long for the insanely hyped Clark to live up to extraordinary expectations. Discussions about her high turnover rate and early season brick stacks are buried long in the past.
Her triple-double against the league-leading Liberty — the first-ever by a WNBA rookie — is just the beginning. As a supreme scorer, passer and rebounder, the Indiana point guard is stuffing the stat sheet. And for those who’ve grabbed a plate and heaped spoonfuls of dollars onto various Clark-based wagers, the numbers buffet has satisfied every imaginable appetite.
On Friday, the statistical sustenance will only fatten the wallet. So loosen that belt a notch or two because Clark is sure to again gorge backers with greenbacks.
Here’s a breakdown of SGP legs in Mercury vs. Fever.
Caitlin Clark 8+ assists. The Fever rookie is a certifiable mint. The money factory is already one of the best creators in the women’s game. Her ability to read, recognize and react is nothing shy of profound. She’s dished out at least 11 assists in five of her last six games, including a dozen at Phoenix on June 30. In what should be a fleet-footed, D-optional matchup, the facilitating phenom could assist on eight baskets before halftime. Over the last 10 contests, the Mercury rank middle-of-the-pack in assists allowed per game (21.1) and third-to-last in defensive rating (105.3). Pick them apart, Queen.
Brittney Griner 18+ points. Indiana is far from ferocious defending the post. This year, the Fever are surrendering 36.0 paint points per game, the fourth-most in the W. That’s great news for the high-achieving Griner. Phoenix’s interior force is averaging 19.7 points and shooting 57.8% from the field, and she has scored at least 20 points in four of her last five games. Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith provided little defensive resistance against Griner in the teams’ first clash. In that game, the Mercury center shot 8-for-13 from the field and led all scorers with 24 points. She also went 8-for-10 from the free-throw line. In a likely near duplication, Griner states her authority around the tin.
WNBA season record: 13-13, +3.08 units