-
ESPN’s Eric Moody
We’re almost a quarter of the way through the WNBA season, and as always, there’s a lot going on around the league.
So which players are trending? Are there any futures bets worth making? And what injuries could impact fantasy women’s basketball?
Let’s take a closer look at the league and get the latest fantasy and betting information for all 12 teams.
The Dream doesn’t have many reliable fantasy options outside of Rhyne Howard, Tina Charles, Allisha Gray, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. However, managers in need of streamers should not overlook Aerial Powers (in 12.3% of ESPN leagues). She has played 20 or more minutes in three of her last four games and has recorded 18 or more fantasy points in three of those games.
Angel Reese is the fourth Sky rookie to record multiple double-doubles, joining Imani McGee-Stafford (two in 2016), Candice Dupree (two in 2006) and Sylvia Fowles (six in 2008). Reese has also been very consistent in fantasy, scoring 22 or more points in 7 of 8 games. Bettors shouldn’t overlook Reese (+1100) in the Rookie of the Year race (more on that below).
The Sun entered Tuesday night’s game against the Washington Mystics as double-digit favorites despite a 3-5 record against the spread. It’s also worth noting that Connecticut has not been a double-digit favorite in five of its last eight games. However, Sun won by 17 points. This could be a turning point for Connecticut and spread bettors, especially considering the easy remaining schedule based on opponents’ combined odds. Connecticut ranks fourth in offensive rating and first in defensive rating.
Should we take Arike Ogunbowale (+4000) seriously as an MVP candidate? totally. Ogunbowale ranks second in the league with 27.1 PPG, behind A’ja Wilson (27.9). Additionally, she averaged 4.6 RPG, 5.1 APG, and 3.0 SPG. The last true guard to win an MVP award was Diana Taurasi in 2009. Taurasi averaged 20.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 1.4 BPG that season. Looking at her Ogunbowale-like numbers, it is clear that she is making a strong case for herself.
The Fever (2-9) are struggling, ranking near the bottom of the league in both offensive rating and defensive rating. Indiana suffered two losses by more than 30 points, and the rest of the league had only one loss (Washington Mystics). Interestingly, the Fever will face the Mystics on Friday. But better days are ahead for this young, talented Indiana team, and bettors should consider backing the Fever (-115) to win at least 12.5 regular season games.
The Aces have a 5-2 record and are fourth in net rating (a measure of a team’s overall performance by measuring the difference between points scored and points allowed per 100). The Aces (+185) have the best odds of winning the championship, along with the New York Liberty. However, there is one trend that needs to be fixed quickly in Las Vegas. The Aces don’t have much depth and it doesn’t help that Chelsea Gray is still out with a leg injury. Las Vegas surprisingly ranked 7th in Q4 net rating. A’ja Wilson (33.0), Kelsey Plum (36.9), Jackie Young (36.3) and Alysha Clark (32.0) have averaged more than 32 minutes per game this season. Here’s what bettors need to know as the season progresses.
There are plenty of promising rookies around the WNBA this season, but realistically the Rookie of the Year race is between Indiana’s Caitlin Clark (-650), Los Angeles’ Cameron Brink (+650) and Chicago’s Angel Reese (+1100). Reese’s defense and rebounding have kept her in the ROY conversation and given her a big jump from the +2500 odds to start the season. That said, her lack of scoring (10.9 PPG) and her inefficiency from the field (33.8 FG%) may keep her from playing as a legitimate contender.
Brink, whose odds have skyrocketed from +1000 to start the season, contributes to multiple statistical categories on a game-by-game basis. If he can increase his scoring average (8.0 PPG) and reduce turnovers (2.4 TPG), he could become a force to be reckoned with in this race.
The Lynx (7-2) have been really impressive this season. Coach Cheryl Reeve has done an excellent job building the roster around Napheesa Collier through free agency. Especially since recent first-round picks like Diamond Miller and Alissa Pili have yet to fill viable roles in Minnesota’s rotation. Despite a difficult early season schedule, the Lynx performed exceptionally well. Minnesota is a solid prospect team you can bet on to win the Commissioner’s Cup, as they rank in the top three in both offensive rating and defensive rating.
Tuesday’s game against Chicago marked the 10th time Brianna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu have combined for 50 or more points in a game as teammates and the first time this season. Liberty is 9-1 in games in which Stewart and Ionescu have combined for 50 or more points. This is something to keep in mind when looking at prop and moneyline bets for New York depending on the opponent.
The Mercury currently have a 4-6 record and have been under .500 in 10 games for the third straight season. This is notable because Mercury has only had this happen twice in the previous 10 seasons. Additionally, Phoenix struggled on the road with a 1-5 record. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the Mercury are 8-18 against the spread in their last 26 road games. This is something to keep in mind from a betting perspective.
The Storm are on a five-game winning streak, their longest since June 2021. Seattle actually led the league in net rating during this period. The team appears to have new additions in Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike. That’s a big reason why they moved up seven spots to fourth in our power rankings. The Storm (-105) also have a very favorable schedule for the rest of the season, which makes now a good time to bet on them. Get over 23.5 wins.
The Mystics (0-9) are the only team in the league that has yet to win a game. Washington isn’t a fantasy gold mine, but any team with Shakira Austin on the team should consider adding sixth overall pick Aaliyah Edwards (51.9%). She has stepped up when Austin has been rested, and this season she has scored 27 or more fantasy points in two of the three games Austin has missed.
