Ed Welch
July is quickly coming to a close but we still have more than month before real football betting returns to online sports handicapping book’s. In the meantime, bettors are passing the time with alternative options: like the WNBA.
The women’s hoops league is a sharp market during these down times and if you don’t believe us, just go look at the line movement once the daily WNBA odds hit the board. If you’ve been wagering on the WNBA this summer, you may already know about these good and bad bets. But if you’re just jumping into the league, circle these best/worst spread bets as well as top Over/Under teams:
Best spread bet: Chicago Sky/Minnesota Lynx 10-7-1 ATS
Two teams share the top spot in terms of betting returns against the spread. Minnesota has climbed the standing despite missing two of its biggest superstars in Maya Moore (out for the season) and Seimone Augustus (returning soon after missing all season with a knee injury), with books tempering the Lynx spreads in the first half of the schedule. Chicago has been the hot play, seeing a spike in its offensive production in recent games. The Skys have been strong at home, going 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS in the Windy City.
Worst spread bet: Las Vegas Aces 6-10 ATS
The Aces were the favorites to win the WNBA Championship in 2019 entering the season and have been treated accordingly, pegged as the chalk in all but one of their first 16 games (3-point underdogs at Washington last week). Las Vegas hasn’t had trouble scoring, ranked second in points per game behind newest addition Liz Cambage. However, the team is inconsistent on defense – especially at home – and that’s led to a 3-5 ATS mark in Sin City.
Best over bet: Indiana Fever 10-8 O/U
The Fever ranked near the bottom of the WNBA with a 6-12 record, thanks in part to their poor defense which is allowing almost 79 points per game. Indiana isn’t notably strong on the other end of the floor either, and plays a slower pace (92.8) than most of the league. These totals results are a bit baffling, as nothing significant jumps out, and bettors are already seeing this trend go the other way with the Fever playing under in three of their last four games.
Best under bet: Dallas Wings 4-13 O/U
Ranked 11th (second last) in scoring and fifth in defense, the math adds up for the Wings and the under. Dallas has struggled all season to produce points, shooting just 38% from the floor, including a 29.7% mark from 3-point land. The Wings far from soar, running the second-slowest pace in the WNBA. That methodical play has helped pad Dallas’ defensive numbers, with opponents still shooting almost 43% against. In a league that sees its games go below the betting total 58% of the time, the Wings are the biggest under producer for WNBA bettors so far in 2019.
