Welcome to Bet For the Win’s W Bets, where we break down, explain and bet on the WNBA. Today, we’re running down the final Thursday slate of the regular season.
The three-month WNBA regular season is all but over, yet in its final days, there’s still so much to play for.
The outcomes of today’s two-game slate could end up clearing some of the clutter around the playoff seeding, but only if the two road teams win. Victories by the home teams will set the stage for a wild final few days of the season.
So, let’s dive into these two games. Should we bet money on chaos? Or bet money on clarity?
All odds via Tipico Sportsbook
Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces (-1.5)
It seems like we’ve done this song and dance all year with the Aces and Sky. Just about every time they play one another, there’s some significance.
First, the Sky’s comeback. Then, the Aces’ win in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship and now the battle for the No. 1 seed and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. If the Sky win on Thursday in Vegas, they lock up the top seed and if the Aces win, they will have the same record as Chicago but will own the tiebreaker with one game left on the schedule.
So, how will Thursday play out? In case you missed it: Las Vegas’ Dearica Hamby injured her knee last game against the Atlanta Dream and will miss the next two to four weeks. Her injury is a HUGE blow to a team that already lacks depth. Now, Vegas will have to figure out how to play without her against the W’s best and deepest team? I don’t think it goes well for the Aces.
The Pick: Sky ML
Connecticut Sun (-11.5) vs. Los Angeles Sparks
It’s simple for the Sparks — a loss eliminates them from playoff contention. The Sun are in, and likely entrenched to the No. 3 seed, but winning their remaining two games, and the Aces dropping theirs, would set Connecticut as the second seed for the playoffs.
Realistically, the Sparks shouldn’t have a chance to win this one. They’ve lost seven of eight games with their latest coming by 14 points to the Sun just two days ago. There’s an element of “playing to save the season” that I suppose could make this a good game, but at some point, Connecticut’s talent will overpower.
The Sun have the better players, better coach and are the better team. I can’t see them losing focus on Thursday night.
The Pick: Sun ML
