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Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on New York minus the points over Los Angeles at 7 pm et on Thursday.

Liberty bettors are rightfully spooked following seven straight ATS losses. That's an inexplicable run after the defending champions started the campaign 6-3 ATS without suffering consecutive ATS defeats once along the way. Off back-to-back straight-up defeats, we'll call for the Liberty to bounce back on Thursday as they return home for the first time since June 19th. With this being the first matchup between these non-conference opponents this season and given the Liberty's recent struggles, I'm not sure the oddsmakers know exactly how to handle it. The Sparks have been one of the league's worst teams this season and check in 1-5 ATS over their last six contests. Take New York (10*).

My selection is on Indiana plus the points over Minnesota at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

This will be the first time we've seen this particular matchup this season and I think the line is out of whack with the Fever catching a generous helping of points. Indiana checks in playing well offensively having connected on more than 30 field goals in five of its last seven games. On the flip side, you would have go go back four games to find the last time Indiana allowed an opponent to knock down 30+ field goals. Minnesota has won back-to-back games including a 102-63 rout of the lowly Sun on Sunday. Still, the Lynx are just 1-1-1 ATS over their last three contests. They're giving up their share of scoring opportunities having yielded 64+ field goal attempts in five straight and 13 of their last 14 games. Look for the Fever to stick around and make things interesting on Tuesday. Take Indiana (8*).

My selection is on Golden State plus the points over Seattle at 8:30 pm et on Sunday.

The Valkyries have done nothing but impress over the course of their inaugural campaign. While they are coming off an ATS defeat, they won again, outlasting the Sky by five points on Friday. We'll call for them to give the Storm all they can handle on Sunday as well. Seattle checks in off a lopsided victory but that came at home against one of the league's worst teams in the Sun. Look for a down-to-the-wire affair on Sunday in San Francisco and we'll gladly grab all the points we can get with the underdog Valkyries. Take Golden State (8*).

My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Washington at 8 pm et on Saturday.

We'll grab the points with Dallas, even in a tough back-to-back situation on Saturday. The Wings dropped a close game against Indiana last night. That was a clear result of the Fever shooting the lights out. I don't expect Washington to do the same in this spot. Note that the Mystics have won a season-high three straight games SU and two in a row ATS. That includes an 'upset' victory in Las Vegas two nights ago. We'll call for a letdown here as the Wings avoid a second straight loss. Take Dallas (8*).

My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Golden State at 10 pm et on Friday.

This will be the first ever meeting between the Sky and Valkyries and I believe the line is out of whack. Yes, Golden State has reeled off three straight ATS victories and checks in 6-1 ATS over its last seven games. I'm just not convinced the Valkyries are well-suited to a 'favorite' role at this point. Chicago comes off an 'upset' win at home against Los Angeles on Tuesday. That marked the Sky's second straight ATS victory. They still have a long way to go as they work their way back to respectability but we have seen some positive signs lately as they've knocked down 30+ field goals in three of their last four games. I think they can hang with the Valkyries here. Take Chicago (8*).

My selection is on New York minus the points over Golden State at 10 pm et on Wednesday.

The Liberty opened their current road trip with an 89-79 loss in Seattle on Sunday, perhaps caught flat-footed after Sabrina Ionescu was a late scratch for that contest. That marked the Liberty's second straight defeat SU and fourth in a row ATS. I look for them to end their slide on Wednesday as they head to San Francisco to take on the Valkyries. Keep in mind, New York is already 2-0 against Golden State this season, winning back-to-back games at home back in late May. The Valkyries were competitive in the second of those contests but only after losing the first by 28 points. Golden State enters this game riding a two-game winning streak both SU and ATS. The opposition has shot incredibly poorly against the Valkyries but they'll undoubtedly have their hands full against one of the league's best offensive teams on Wednesday. Look for the Liberty to bounce back in convincing fashion. Take New York (8*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Indiana plus the points over Seattle at 10 pm et on Tuesday. 

The Fever have dropped their last two games SU and three in a row ATS entering Tuesday's contest in Seattle. We'll call for Indiana to bounce back in this spot after opening its current road trip with back-to-back defeats. Seattle is in a fairly obvious letdown situation after three straight wins and covers including an impressive 89-79 home win over the Liberty - arguably the league's best team - on Sunday. I like the fact that the Fever offense did get on track even in a losing effort in Las Vegas on Sunday (they shot 34-of-70 from the field). Here, it will be up to Indiana's defense to pick it up, noting that it comes off consecutive games in which it allowed 30+ made field goals. The last two times that has happened, the Fever have responded favorably in their next game, winning by 27 points in Chicago and 17 points at home against Connecticut. Seattle has made good on 30+ field goals in three straight games. The only other time that happened this season it went on to lose its next game 76-70 in 'upset' fashion at Golden State. Take Indiana (10*).

My selection is on Washington plus the points over Minnesota at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

We'll grab all the points we can get with the underdog Mystics at home against the Lynx on Tuesday. Minnesota comes off three straight wins both SU and ATS but all three of those victories came at home and two of them came against one of the league's most disappointing teams, the Los Angeles Sparks. While the Lynx have played well defensively, they do give up their share of opportunities and I'm confident Washington can take advantage. Note that the Mystics have been 'filling it up' lately, knocking down 28 or more field goals in six of their last seven games. They've been one of the league's better bets lately, going 4-2 ATS over their last six contests but do check in off an ATS loss (but SU victory) against Dallas on Sunday. Note that the Mystics have dropped the cash in consecutive games just once this season with that two-game ATS skid coming back in late May-early June. Meanwhile, Minnesota is entering uncharted territory as it rides a season-high three-game ATS winning streak. I think the Lynx are laying too many points in this spot. Take Washington (8*).

My selection is on Dallas minus the points over Connecticut at 7:30 pm et on Friday.

The Sun have done a nice job covering the spread in consecutive games against Indiana and Phoenix but I look for them to fall short against the Wings on Friday. Keep in mind, Dallas took the first meeting between these two teams this season by 22 points on this same floor back on May 27th. Dallas enters this contest playing well, off back-to-back ATS victories and having connected on 29 or more field goals in five of its last six games. That's a far cry from Connecticut which has made good on 26 or fewer field goals in four straight games. The Sun were fortunate that the Mercury had an off shooting night last time out but they still lost that game by eight points at home. You have to figure the Sun have one eye on a long road trip that begins on Sunday against Golden State. We'll lay the points with the visiting Wings. Take Dallas (8*).

My selection is on Connecticut plus the points over Indiana at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

This is a tricky spot for the Fever as they come off a big revenge-fuelled 'upset' win at home against the Liberty on Saturday - in a game where they welcomed Caitlin Clark and Sophia Cunningham back to the lineup - and look ahead to a three-game road trip out west that begins on Thursday at Golden State. Connecticut is coming off an 'upset' defeat at home against Chicago on Sunday. The Sun had been playing better prior to their current two-game slide as they were 2-1 SU and ATS in their three previous contests including an outright win here in Indiana as double-digit underdogs on May 30th. Of note, while Indiana got a major boost offensively with the return of Clark on Saturday, the Fever have actually struggled defensively in recent games, allowing five of their last six opponents to knock down 30+ field goals. That opens the door for a closer-than-expected affair on Tuesday. Take Connecticut (8*).

My selection is on New York minus the points over Atlanta at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

The Liberty got caught flat-footed in the second half against the Fever on Saturday and paid the price in a 102-88 'upset' loss. We'll call for the defending champions to bounce back as they return home to host the red hot Dream on Tuesday. Atlanta has reeled off three straight wins both SU and ATS but those came at home against an Indiana team without Caitlin Clark, the lowly Chicago Sky and on the road against a reeling Mystics squad. Here, Atlanta makes the trip to New York for a 'measuring stick' game against one of, if not the league's best team. Despite the loss on Saturday, New York continues to perform well offensively, connecting on 30+ field goals in three of its last four games. Note that the Liberty had held six straight and eight of nine opponents this season to fewer than 30 made field goals before yielding 37 in Saturday's setback. Take New York (8*).

My selection is on Indiana plus the points over New York at 3 pm et on Saturday.

Indiana is expected to get a major boost with the return of both Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham on Saturday. The Fever turned in one of their worst performances of the season last time out as they were blown out in Atlanta. That snapped a two-game SU and ATS winning streak. They'll play with revenge on Saturday after dropping a narrow two-point decision at home against New York back on May 24th. The Liberty are still undefeated on the season and check in off an easy 85-66 win at home against the lowly Sky earlier this week. Look for the Fever to give the Liberty all they can handle on Saturday afternoon. Take Indiana (8*).

My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Atlanta at 7:30 pm et on Friday.

We won with the Dream on Tuesday as they pulled away for a 19-point win over the Fever. We'll go the other way and fade Atlanta on Friday as it stays at home to host Chicago. The Sky check in off consecutive losses both SU and ATS. Their most recent defeat came against arguably the league's best team in New York on Tuesday. I look for them to rebound here as they catch the Dream glancing ahead at a two-game road trip that will take them to Washington and New York on Sunday and Tuesday. After allowing five straight opponents to connect on more than 30 field goals to open the campaign, the Sky have held two of their last three foes to exactly 27 made field goals. Meanwhile, the Dream have allowed three of their last four and seven of their nine opponents this season to knock down 30+ field goals. Take Chicago (8*).

My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Las Vegas at 10 pm et on Wednesday.

We'll grab all the points we can get with the reeling Sparks as they look to put the Aces on 'upset alert' on Wednesday night. Los Angeles has lost four of its last five games and checks in off an 'upset' defeat at home against Golden State on Monday. Oddly enough, Las Vegas is also off an 'upset' loss against the upstart Valkyries. While the Aces are a respectable 4-3 on the campaign, I'm concerned by the fact that their offense has yet to get rolling, knocking down fewer than 30 field goals in all but one of their games (that did come against the Sparks in an Aces win Los Angeles will look to avenge on Wednesday). On the flip side, Las Vegas has allowed its last four opponents to make good on 42, 31, 28 and 34 field goals. The Sparks are capable of hanging tough with an offense that has connected on 30 or more field goals in four of their last six games. Take Los Angeles (8*).

My selection is on Atlanta minus the points over Indiana at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday.

The Fever are coming off back-to-back wins and covers including a 79-52 dismantling of the Sky in Chicago on Saturday. I still think Indiana is limited in what it can do offensively in the absence of Caitlin Clark. Note that the Fever have gotten off exactly 59 field goal attempts in three straight games. They've been fortunate to shoot exceptionally well in all three of those contests. While Atlanta has struggled defensively this season, I see this as a 'get right' spot at home off Friday's stunning 84-76 upset defeat in Connecticut. Prior to that loss the Dream had won four games in a row both SU and ATS. Of note, the straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of Atlanta's eight games to date this season. While Indiana has had to make the most of limited shot volume without Clark, Atlanta has hoisted up 68 or more field goal attempts in seven of eight games this season with a low-water mark of 64 (in a game it scored 88 points and won and covered in Los Angeles). Look for the Dream to overwhelm the Fever offensively and improve to 2-1 in this series this season on Tuesday. Take Atlanta (8*).

My selection is on Washington minus the points over Connecticut at 3 pm et on Sunday.

The Mystics have faced an absolutely brutal schedule this season and a result they check in 3-6 on the campaign. The schedule does star to ease up beginning with Sunday's matchup with 2-6 Connecticut. The Sun check in off a big upset win at home against Atlanta but that came on the heels of a 100-52 beatdown in New York. Note that the Sun shot a blistering 33-for-66 from the field last time out, a performance they're unlikely to duplicate here. Washington has yet to allow an opponent knock down more than 30 field goals in a game this season (only two of its nine opponents have connected on exactly 30). Off an ATS cover but eight-point loss at home against New York three nights ago, we'll call for the Mystics to bounce back in a big way on Sunday. Take Washington (8*).

Western Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Los Angeles minus the points over Dallas at 9:30 pm et on Friday.

The Sparks have really struggled out of the gate so far this season, going 2-6 and currently ride a three-game SU and ATS losing streak. They had an excellent opportunity to stop their slide at home against Phoenix last Sunday but they simply couldn't make good on their scoring opportunities in a narrow defeat. In that game, the Sparks got off 71 field goal attempts compared to the Mercury's 64 but could only connect on 26 of them. Keep in mind, prior to that contest, Los Angeles had knocked down 30+ field goals in three straight games so we know its offense is capable. Dallas is just 1-7 on the season but does come off an ATS victory in Seattle earlier this week. This will mark Dallas' seventh games in as many cities going back to May 21st. You could argue that the Wings have faced the league's toughest schedule to this point travel-wise and I don't think it serves them well as they return home for this date with the rested Sparks on Friday. Note that the Wings are 0-3 SU and ATS at home this season, losing all three of those games by at least eight points. Take Los Angeles (10*).

My selection is on Phoenix minus the points over Golden State at 10 pm et on Thursday.

We successfully faded the Mercury in their 88-65 loss in Minnesota two nights ago but we'll go the other way and back Phoenix as it returns home to host reeling Golden State on Thursday. The expansion Valkyries have lost three games in a row following a surprising 2-1 start to the campaign. They're playing with very little margin for error as they've made good on fewer than 30 field goals in all six games to date this season. With their defense suddenly sagging (they've allowed two of their last three foes to knock down 30+ field goals), I look for them to fall well short against the Mercury on Thursday. Take Phoenix (8*).

My selection is on Minnesota minus the points over Phoenix at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

We'll lay the points with the Lynx and fade the Mercury in this spot as Phoenix comes off its second win in as many tries against the Sparks on Sunday. Phoenix is off to a 5-2 start to the campaign and checks in off consecutive ATS victories but is actually just 2-3-1 ATS over its last six contests. The Lynx remain undefeated at 7-0 on the season. They're a miserable 0-4-1 ATS over their last five games but I'm anticipating a big performance here ahead of a four-day layoff that leads into a two-game road trip. The Mercury figure to have one eye on a return home to begin a three-game homestand on Thursday. Phoenix did cover the spread in a 74-71 loss in the first meeting between these teams this season. As we know, revenge is a dish best served at home but the Mercury won't have the benefit of hosting the Lynx here. Minnesota rolls. Take Minnesota (8*).

My selection is on Golden State plus the points over New York at 7 pm et on Thursday.

The Valkyries get a quick revenge spot against the Liberty on Thursday after they were drilled by 28 points two nights ago. While Golden State projects as one of the league's worst teams in its inaugural season, we have seen some positive flashes in the early going. For the Liberty, this is a fairly obvious flat spot before they head to Washington for a difficult back-to-back situation against the Mystics tomorrow night. Expect New York to save a little in reserve and for this game to ultimately be closer than most anticipate. Take Golden State (8*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Seattle at 6 pm et on Sunday.

Seattle opened the season with an ugly 22-point loss in Phoenix but has since rebounded with consecutive wins both SU and ATS, including most recently a successful revenge date with the Mercury. We'll call for a letdown from the Storm on Sunday as they host a Las Vegas team that has yet to play to its potential despite its 2-1 record. The Aces are just 1-2 ATS and check in off a scare at home against an upstart Mystics team on Friday. While the Storm will head on the road for a date with Minnesota on Tuesday, the Aces will be idle until they host the Sparks on Saturday. We'll lay the points with Las Vegas. Take Las Vegas (8*).

My selection is on Los Angeles minus the points over Golden State at 10 pm et on Friday.

The Valkyries are coming off their first-ever WNBA victory as they defeated the Mystics in upset fashion at home two nights ago. Keep in mind, they dropped their season-opener by 17 points against the same Sparks squad they'll face on Friday. Los Angeles figures to be in a foul mood coming off consecutive losses. The Sparks couldn't keep up with a red hot Mercury squad two nights ago as Phoenix improved to 2-0 with an 89-86 win at home. Los Angeles should find the going much easier against a Valkyries team that has knocked down just 36% and 32% of its field goal attempts over its first two contests. Take Los Angeles (8*).

Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Indiana minus the points over Atlanta at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

The Dream stunned the Fever 91-90 two nights ago at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. We'll call for the Fever to return the favor as the scene shifts to Atlanta for a quick rematch between these Eastern Conference foes on Thursday. Atlanta played a perfect road game on Tuesday, jumping ahead early and forcing Indiana to expend a ton of energy trying to make the comeback in the second half. While the Fever ultimately fell short, the fact that they were even able to stay in the game and ultimately take it down to the wire was commendable. While Indiana is bubbling with potential this season, there are going to be flat spots on the schedule, and Tuesday's contest proved to be one of those after posting a runaway win over Chicago in its season-opener on the weekend. The Dream made plenty of offseason changes and early returns have been mixed (prior to Tuesday's upset win they dropped a 94-90 decision in their season-opener in Washington). I don't believe these two teams are on the same level, despite what we saw two nights ago. Take Indiana (10*).

My selection is on Connecticut plus the points over Washington at 1 pm et on Sunday.

The Mystics pulled off an 'upset' win at home against Atlanta to open its campaign on Friday. Washington shot a blistering 31-for-61 in that game. The Dream actually got off a whopping 74 field goal attempts but could only connect on 30 and that proved to be the difference in a narrow 94-90 Mystics win.

While expectations are extremely low for the rebuilding Sun this season, I do look for them to bring their 'A' game in their home opener, ahead of a more difficult matchup against Las Vegas on Tuesday. We'll grab all the points we can get. Take Connecticut (8*).

My selection is on Minnesota minus the points over Dallas at 7:30 pm ET on Friday.

All eyes will be on the much-anticipated debut of top overall pick Paige Bueckers, but the reality is that her presence doesn’t patch up Dallas’ long-standing defensive shortcomings. The Wings were one of the worst defensive teams in the WNBA last season, and there's little to suggest that a rookie—no matter how talented—will transform them overnight. Dallas gave up 112 points in their only preseason game against Las Vegas, and that came with A’ja Wilson playing just 21 minutes and shooting a modest 7-for-17 from the floor. That poor showing underlines the lack of defensive cohesion that continues to plague this team.

Meanwhile, Minnesota comes into this season motivated, after pushing the Liberty to the brink in last year’s WNBA Finals. The Lynx return with a strong core and a well-balanced attack that should immediately take advantage of Dallas’ defensive lapses. This is a veteran group that thrives on execution and should expose the Wings' inexperience and issues on the defensive end from the opening tip. While the media hype might be centered on Bueckers, the on-court reality heavily favors the Lynx.

Take Minnesota.

My selection is on New York minus the points over Minnesota at 8 pm et on Sunday.

A convincing win is certainly well within the realm of possibility for the Liberty after we saw them deliver just that the last time they hosted the Lynx in Game 2 of this series. In that situation, New York was coming off a close loss, which is the case here as well. While these two teams have been involved in their share of tightly-contested battles all season with Minnesota gaining the upper hand at times, I still believe New York has the considerable talent edge and with home court on its side in this winner-take-all game, I'm willing to lay the points. Take New York (8*).

My selection is on New York plus the points over Las Vegas at 9:30 pm et on Friday.

New York has quite simply outclassed Las Vegas at every turn this season and certainly in the first two games of this series. Note that New York is 16-5 SU and 15-6 ATS on the road this season so there's no reason to expect any sort of let up on Friday. The Aces have taken plenty of money in the betting marketplace since this line opened and as a result we've afforded ourselves another point with the Liberty. I'm not sure that we'll need it as I look for New York to go on the road and take a commanding 3-0 series lead on Friday. Of note, the Aces are just 4-6 ATS at home against winning opponents this season. Take New York (8*).

Playoff Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas plus the points over New York at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday.

The Aces are now 0-3 against the Liberty this season after Sunday's 10-point loss in New York. The opener of this series fizzled as New York extended a double-digit halftime lead and never looked back. I look for Las Vegas to answer back on Tuesday.

There's plenty of room for improvement from the Aces. They actually got off a whopping 67 field goal attempts including 25 from beyond the arc but shot poorly and didn't do a good enough job on the boards. Keep in mind, prior to that contest, the Aces had reeled off seven straight wins with 11 victories in their last 12 contests. I don't expect them to get rattled by Sunday's setback.

The Liberty aren't likely to shoot the lights out again the way they did on Sunday (30-for-60). Nor do I anticipate them having as decisive of an edge in terms of trips to the free throw line. We'll grab all the points we can get with Las Vegas but hopefully won't need them. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on Seattle plus the points over Las Vegas at 10:30 pm et on Tuesday.

The Storm let the Aces off the hook in the opener of this series on Sunday. They appeared poised to grab a 1-0 series lead entering the fourth quarter. That's when it all fell apart for Seattle as it scored just two, yes two, fourth quarter points in an eventual 11-point defeat. Now it will be up to the Storm to make the necessary adjustments prior to Game 2, noting that they allowed Las Vegas to shoot 44% from the field including 38% from three-point range in the series-opener. I liked the fact that Seattle was right there in terms of scoring opportunities in Game 1 and I'm expect it to be more efficient in Game 2 (it shot 37% from the field an a miserable 25% from three-point range on Sunday). The Aces have now won six games in a row but they've yet to notch seven consecutive victories this season (the last time they tried they were upset 98-93 by the Sparks on July 5th). Take Seattle (8*).

My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Connecticut at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

The Sparks are having a miserable season, posting just seven wins in 35 games. They enter Tuesday's rematch with the Sun (Connecticut won by 12 on Sunday) on the heels of four straight losses. We'll back Los Angeles in this spot, however, as I feel they're catching too many points against a Connecticut team that has won by double-digits just twice in its last 10 contests. Take Los Angeles (8*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Atlanta at 10 pm et on Friday.

This was already going to be an important return home for the Aces having sputtered since the Olympic break. It takes on added significance after they crumbled late in a loss in Dallas last time out.

At 10-20 overall including a 4-10 mark on the road, the Dream are a team that the Aces can and should take care of. I like the way the spot sets up for Las Vegas noting that Atlanta will be playing its third game in three different cities since Monday. While Atlanta has been playing competitive basketball lately, it still enters riding a three-game slide and I don't see this as the spot for it to rebound against an Aces squad that will surely be in an unforgiving mood. Take Las Vegas (8*).

Western Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Dallas at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

The Aces have fallen on hard times from a poinstpread perspective. At least they managed to snap their two-game slide with a buzzer-beating win in Chicago on Sunday. That did their backers no favors as they let a late double-digit lead slip away in that contest. They enter Tuesday's contest in Dallas riding a three-game ATS losing skid.

I like the way this game sets up for Las Vegas. After being frustrated most of the game against a steadily-improving Sky defense, the Aces should be able to get loose against an awful Wings defense on Tuesday. Dallas needed a 40-point fourth quarter eruption to outlast a bad Sparks squad by a 113-110 score on Sunday. That wasn't enough to earn the cover.

This hasn't been a good matchup for Dallas this season as Las Vegas has taken the first two meetings by 14 and 19 points. This is a key spot for the Aces as they look to secure a winning road trip before returning home to host Atlanta on Friday. When Las Vegas puts it all together it is one of the league's best teams - we simply haven't seen it much lately. I did like what I saw from the Aces in the fourth quarter in Chicago on Sunday - at least until the final three minutes. Look for Las Vegas to make a point to leave little doubt on Tuesday in Dallas. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on New York minus the points over Phoenix at 10 pm et on Monday.

The Liberty turned in one of their worst performances of the season in a 72-64 home loss against Connecticut on Saturday. I look for them to bounce back on Monday as they head out on the road to take on the Mercury in Phoenix.

Phoenix has been all over the map since returning from the Olympic break. The Mercury have played in four different cities and return home following a hard-fought split in a two-game set in Atlanta. Phoenix has managed to win three of five games since the break but those three victories came against two of the Eastern Conference's weaker teams in Chicago and Atlanta. The Mercury will face a much stiffer challenge against an elite Liberty squad coming off a loss.

This will be the rubber match in this series after the home side won each of the first two matchups. I like the advantage the Liberty have here as they travel for the first time in over a week. Take New York (8*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Chicago at 12 noon et on Sunday.

The Aces ran into the league's hottest team - the Lynx - over the last two games and enter Sunday's matinee affair in Chicago in the midst of a rare losing streak.

Chicago checks in having gone 1-3 since returning from the Olympic break.

The Sky actually upset the Aces in Las Vegas in the final game prior to the break so you can be sure this is a game Las Vegas has had circled on its calendar. Keep in mind, the Aces won the previous matchup here in Chicago by double-digits back in June. Take Las Vegas (8*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Minnesota at 9:30 pm et on Friday.

The Aces dropped their second straight meeting with the Lynx two nights ago in Las Vegas. The road team is now 3-0 in this series this season. I look for that trend to continue on Friday night in Minnesota.

Las Vegas has come out of the Olympic break misfiring but it remains in the thick of the Western Conference race, just 2.5 games behind the first-place Lynx. Note that the Aces have actually played better on the road compared to at home this season, going 8-3 in the visitors role but just 9-7 at home.

While the Aces have an off day on Saturday before continuing their road trip in Chicago on Sunday, the Lynx will be right back on the floor on Saturday, hosting Caitlin Clark and the Fever. I simply feel Las Vegas will want this one a little more. Take Las Vegas (8*).

My selection is on Dallas plus the points over New York at 7 pm et on Thursday.

New York has reeled off seven straight wins including a 94-74 rout of Dallas two nights ago. That game was essentially decided on a pair of Liberty runs, 16-5 in the first quarter and 14-0 in the fourth. There's obviously a wide talent gap between these two teams but that's being reflected in the line. I believe the Wings are catching too many points in this quick revenge spot.

For the Liberty, this game offers an opportunity to perhaps ease off the gas a little (and still earn a win) before a much tougher contest awaits on Saturday (home game against Connecticut). Meanwhile, the Wings will be looking to salvage something from their two-game stop in Brooklyn.

On a positive note for Dallas, it welcomed Satou Sabally to the lineup for the first time this season following the Olympic break and she hasn't disappointed, pouring in 44 points while adding 13 rebounds and 11 assists in two games. Look for the Wings to make a game of it on Thursday. Take Dallas (8*).

Western Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Minnesota at 9:30 pm et on Wednesday.

The Aces certainly haven't forgotten a 100-86 beatdown they suffered at the hands of the Lynx on this floor back in early June. Las Vegas has only managed to earn a split on its current homestand, upping the importance of this showdown with first-place Minnesota. The Lynx check in off consecutive wins coming out of the Olympic break but both of those victories came against the lowly Mystics.

Keep in mind, we know the Aces are capable of handling the Lynx. Las Vegas secured an 80-66 victory in the Twin Cities in the first meeting between these two teams this season. This will serve as the front-end of a home-and-home series.

I'm not sure I'm buying the Lynx as the best team in the West, especially when you consider how things have gone since the beginning of July. Minnesota is riding a three-game winning streak but just 5-4 SU over its last nine games. It seems that the Lynx have been getting tripped up every time they've stepped up in class lately, including losses to the Liberty, Sun and Storm. Yes, the Lynx did win the Commissioner's Cup earlier in the season thanks to an impressive Championship Game win over New York. All that's done is serve to put a bullseye on their back, however.

This will be one of only three home games for the Aces between now and September 13th. Look for them to make the most of the opportunity. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Washington at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

Off consecutive losses coming out of the Olympic break, this figures to be a 'leave it all on the floor' type of game for the Storm as they won't play again until next Monday (back at home against the same Mystics).

Washington has dropped four straight and eight of its last 10 games overall. The Mystics are going nowhere with a 6-21 record on the season. Home court advantage has been non-existent as they check in on a five-game losing streak as hosts, with their last four defeats coming by 16, 9, 12 and 11 points.

The most recent matchup between these two teams this season was no contest as Seattle rolled to a 101-69 victory in the Pacific Northwest. Of note, Karlie Samuelson led the Mystics in scoring on that night but she won't play on Tuesday after injuring her knee on Sunday. Take Seattle (8*).

My selection is on Connecticut minus the points over Atlanta at 3 pm et on Sunday.

Connecticut came storming out of the gates following the Olympic break, scoring 109 points in a rout of Dallas on Friday night. I look for the Sun to keep it rolling on Sunday as they draw another favorable road matchup against Atlanta on Sunday.

The Dream did stage an 83-81 upset win over Seattle two nights ago. Still, Atlanta is just 8-17 this season, including a 4-8 mark at home. While the Sun are one of the league's best defensive teams, the Dream rank 12th in the league in points per game. Look for Connecticut to roll. Take Connecticut (8*).

My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Indiana at 7:30 pm et on Wednesday.

Dallas let Los Angeles off the hook on Sunday as it blew a fourth quarter lead in an eventual 87-81 loss. If any team is in desperate need of a win prior to the Olympic break, it's the Wings as they're off to a miserable 5-19 start to the season.

Indiana checks in off consecutive wins but is still just 5-9 on the road this season. While the Fever have certainly been playing much better since getting off to a miserable 1-8 start this season, I'm not convinced they should be laying this many points on the road, especially in a clear letdown spot off Sunday's road win over the Lynx. Take Dallas (8*).

My selection is on Washington plus the points over Phoenix at 11:30 am et on Tuesday.

The Mystics have gone 6-6 over their last 12 games despite facing an absolutely brutal schedule. Their last seven contests have come at home against Connecticut and Las Vegas, on the road against Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minnesota and Indiana in succession and then back at home against Las Vegas. The fact that they've hung in there (only one loss over that stretch was a true blowout) is a testament to their character.

Here, Washington has the opportunity to head into the Olympic break on a high note. Phoenix is coming off a 27-point rout at the hands of Connecticut on Sunday - its second straight loss to open this road trip. The Mercury are just 4-5 over their last nine games and those four wins came against two struggling opponents in the Wings and Sparks (two wins against each).

The last time these two teams met, Phoenix eked out a three-point victory at home back on May 23rd. We'll back the Mystics to gain an ounce of revenge in this early start matchup on Tuesday. Take Washington (8*).

My selection is on Connecticut minus the points over Phoenix at 1 pm et on Sunday.

The Mercury are limping toward the Olympic break with Diana Taurasi and Britney Griner among those dealing with injuries. Regardless who is able to play on Sunday, I look for Connecticut to continue its dominance over Phoenix.

The Sun have taken both previous meetings between these two teams this season and neither game was particularly close.

Connecticut has been idle since Wednesday, when it dropped a hard-fought 71-68 decision at home against New York. That loss snapped a three-game winning streak. With this game, followed by a rematch with the Liberty on deck in Brooklyn on Tuesday to wrap up pre-Olympic break action, I look for the Sun to put their best foot forward on Sunday afternoon. Take Connecticut (8*).

My selection is on New York minus the points over Chicago at 7 pm et on Thursday.

Both of these teams came away victorious yesterday afternoon. I like New York's chances of keeping it rolling as it returns home to host Chicago on Thursday.

Angel Reese kept her double-double streak alive thanks to a foul in the closing seconds of yesterday's contest. She's been the story for the Sky so far this season and while they've been playing better lately, they're still just 9-12 overall.

New York has played with a chip on its shoulder all season long and certainly since losing the Commissioner's Cup against Minnesota back on June 25th. The Liberty are 10-1 at home this season, although Thursday's game will be played at Barclay's Center in Brooklyn. Regardless, I expect New York to improve to 13-2 against Eastern Conference foes with a decisive victory. Take New York (8*).

My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Minnesota at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

The Sparks will be looking to avenge a pair of earlier losses to the Lynx on Tuesday. I like their chances of staying inside the number against a Minnesota squad that has been sputtering since winning the Commissioner's Cup on June 25th.

The Lynx are 2-3 straight-up since that victory over the Liberty. They survived against the Mystics on Saturday, snapping a two-game skid in the process. Note that they're likely to be without Napheesa Collier - their best offensive player - for a second straight game on Tuesday. The last time they faced the Sparks on June 14th (at home) they won by five points on the strength of a 30-point performance from Collier.

Los Angeles dropped a six-point decision at home against Phoenix on Sunday. This is a big spot for the Sparks as they won't take the floor again until Saturday when they head to Dallas to face the Wings. In Sunday's defeat, Sparks guard Aari McDonald shot 1-for-10 from the field. Inconsistency has plagued her over the course of her WNBA career. Keep in mind, she poured in 23 points in a 98-93 upset win over Las Vegas just two games back. Take Los Angeles (8*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Chicago at 6 pm et on Sunday.

The Sky took the opener of this two-game set in Seattle on Friday as rookie Angel Reese extended her double-double streak to 12 games. The win served as successful revenge for Chicago after it dropped an earlier matchup at home against the Storm.

For Seattle, the loss snapped a four-game winning streak (with all four of those wins coming by double-digits). I look for the Storm to answer back on Sunday, noting that Chicago was never really able to pull away on Friday despite Seattle clearly having an off night. This is a key spot for the Storm as their schedule will only get tougher with visits from Las Vegas and Minnesota on deck this coming week. Chicago on the other hand will have an eye on a return home, already feeling pretty good about itself after winning the first two games (both in upset fashion) of this road trip. Take Seattle (10*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Washington at 10 pm et on Thursday.

We won with the Aces laying the points two nights ago against the Fever and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play as they stay home to host the Mystics on Thursday.

Las Vegas is rolling right now having won five straight games but it still has its work cut out for it as it sits in third place in the West sporting an 11-6 record. We've seen that poise and focus we expected from the Aces earlier in the campaign in recent weeks and I don't expect them to take Thursday's matchup with the Mystics for granted keeping in mind these two teams were involved in what was perhaps a closer-than-expected 88-77 affair in favor of Las Vegas in Washington last Saturday.

The Mystics secured a narrow 82-80 win in Los Angeles two nights ago. Washington has been punching above its class lately but I don't like the spot here as it looks to builds on that rare road victory. Take Las Vegas (8*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Indiana at 9:30 pm et on Tuesday.

The Fever are coming off an upset win in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon as Caitlin Clark's captivating rookie campaign continued. Let's pump the brakes a little on Indiana's fortunes moving forward, however. That victory on Sunday only served to snap a two-game slide. It will be making its second stop in Las Vegas this season with its previous matchup on this floor resulting in a 19-point loss back in late-May. I like the Aces chances of delivering a similar result here.

Las Vegas has and extra day of rest advantage having not played since Saturday's 88-77 win over Washington. The Aces have reeled off four straight wins, all coming by double-digit margins. While the first meeting between these two teams this season was played at Michelob Ultra Arena, this one will be on a bigger stage at T-Mobile Arena. I expect the big game feel to serve as extra motivation for the hometown Aces as they look to upstage Clark and the Fever for a second time this season. Take Las Vegas (8*).

My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Minnesota at 1 pm et on Thursday.

If consecutive losses in Washington doesn't represent rock-bottom for the reeling Wings, I'm not sure what will.

Dallas has now dropped 11 straight games and finds itself as a considerable home underdog in a double-revenge spot against Minnesota on Thursday afternoon. I do like the way this situation sets up for the Wings as the Lynx left it all on the floor in a hard-fought, high-scoring win over the Liberty in Tuesday's Commissioner's Cup Championship Game.

Note that the Wings are 2-1 in three home games against the Lynx going back to the start of the 2022 season, with the lone loss coming by nine points.

I have this game projected to be slower-paced than most WNBA affairs and that also favors the home underdog catching so many points on Thursday afternoon. Take Dallas (8*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington plus the points over Dallas at 3 pm et on Saturday.

Washington is a team on the rise right now having gone 4-1 ATS in its last four games with the lone pointspread defeat coming earlier this week in Indiana (in a game the Mystics were competitive in right down to the wire).

There's no such glimmer of hope for the Wings right now as they're mired in a nine-game losing streak including seven ATS losses in their last eight contests.

Dallas has allowed eight straight and 12 of its last 13 opponents to connect on at least 30 field goals. That should be music to the ears of the Mystics, who have cooled off over the last couple of games, making good on just 28 and 29 field goals.

Washington has settled into a nice identity at the defensive end of the floor, where it has held five straight opponents to 67 or fewer field goal attempts and 14 of 15 foes to 68 or less. Take Washington (10*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Seattle at 10 pm et on Wednesday.

This is a prime bounce back spot for the Aces at home and seeking revenge for an earlier loss to Seattle.

Las Vegas has hit a speedbump lately, losing four of its last five games (five in a row ATS). With another difficult game on deck against Connecticut, the Aces desperately need to turn things around here and I like their chances of doing so.

Seattle has only managed to split its last four games with the two victory's coming against two of the West's weaker teams in Los Angeles and Dallas.

The Storm are playing incredibly fast right now but that plays right into the hands of the Aces, who continue to thrive offensively having knocked down 28 or more field goals in four straight and 10 of 12 games this season. Take Las Vegas (8*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Phoenix at 10 pm et on Thursday.

The Aces appeared well-positioned to snap their two-game slide at home against Minnesota two nights ago but fell flat in a double-digit loss. Now riding a three-game losing streak, I look for the Aces to take out their frustrations on the Mercury in Phoenix on Thursday.

The Mercury are coming off a 97-90 double-overtime win in Dallas on Sunday. The Wings had every opportunity to win that game but simply couldn't knock down their shots (or take care of the basketball). I expect Phoenix to face a far more difficult test here as Las Vegas figures to bring laser focus into this one, noting that its schedule will only get tougher from here, facing the Liberty, Storm and Sun in succession next.

This serves as a 'revenge game' for the Aces as well after they suffered a double-digit home loss as 14.5-point favorites against the Mercury earlier this season. Take Las Vegas (8*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Los Angeles at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

The Storm had their six-game winning streak snapped at the hands of the Lynx on the road on Sunday but I look for them to get right back on track as they host the Sparks on Monday.

Los Angeles is coming off consecutive upset victories including a stunner as a 10.5-point underdog against Las Vegas on Sunday. Wins like that have been few and far between for the Sparks this season, though, certainly on the road where they've won just once - that coming against the rebuilding Fever.

These two teams are on completely different planes defensively as the Storm have held seven of their last nine opponents to 27 or fewer made field goals while the Sparks have been lit up for 28 or more field goals in five straight and seven of their last eight contests. Take Seattle (8*).

My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Phoenix at 4 pm et on Sunday.

I can't help but feel we're seeing an overreaction to recent results in this contest as Dallas checks in off four straight losses (three in a row ATS) and Phoenix comes off an upset win over Minnesota.

The majority of Phoenix's success has come at home this season as it has gone 1-5 on the road, albeit against mostly tough competition.

For Dallas, this is a key matchup as it needs to stem the tide before the schedule gets even tougher (Seattle, Connecticut and Minnesota are up next). The Wings fell short two nights ago in Los Angeles but I'm confident we'll see them regroup here.

The Mercury were involved in a fairly taxing affair against Minnesota on Friday, rallying to win by a single point after trailing by six at the end of the third quarter.

Keep in mind, these two teams faced each other earlier this season and Dallas prevailed by a 107-92 score in Phoenix. You know what they say, revenge is a dish best served at home. I expect the Mercury to fall short once again on Sunday. Take Dallas (8*).

My selection is on Dallas minus the points over Los Angeles at 10 pm et on Friday.

You could make a case for the Sparks being the worst team in the WNBA right now, yes, even worse than the lowly Mystics.

Los Angeles continue to employ a matador-like defense, allowing the opposition to knock down at least 28 field goals in seven of nine games to date. Offensively, things have gone from bad to worse as the Sparks have connected on 25 or fewer field goals in four straight games and just 20 in their most recent contest against Minnesota - a game they lost by 24 points here at home.

Dallas won't be short on motivation for this one after dropping three straight games including a 14-point defeat at the hands of the mighty Aces two nights ago. The Wings continue to be a handful offensively, knocking down 28 or more field goals in six straight contests. It's their defense that has let them down but they've also faced three of the league's best teams in succession in Connecticut, Minnesota and Las Vegas.

Over the last three seasons, the Wings have gone a perfect 4-0 ATS when coming off three straight losses. Take Dallas (8*).

My selection is on Chicago minus the points over Washington at 7 pm et on Thursday.

The Washington Mystics have offered little hope of a turnaround following an 0-9 start to the season, most recently knocking down a pitiful 20 field goals in a 17-point loss in Connecticut two nights ago.

While Chicago is by no means an elite WNBA team, it has grabbed plenty of headlines thanks to outspoken rookie Angel Reese. The Sky are certainly a class above the Mystics, noting they've earned a pair of impressive road wins in Dallas and New York already this season and also took Connecticut down to the wire in a loss (but cover) at home.

Here, the Sky will look to snap a brief two-game losing streak and I'm confident they'll do just that, noting they're a long-term 36-26 ATS as a road favorite of six points or less and the Mystics check in 33-40 ATS in their last 73 contests following consecutive double-digit losses, as is the case here. Take Chicago (8*).

Game of the Month. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Dallas at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Aces are coming off an upset loss at the hands of the Atlanta Dream last time out, spoiling a two-game winning streak. I'm confident we'll see them bounce back in a big way on Wednesday as they travel to Dallas to face a Wings squad that checks in off back-to-back losses and plays matador-like defense having allowed all seven opponents they've faced this season to knock down at least 29 field goals. In stark contrast, Las Vegas has held its last two opponents to just 24 and 22 made field goals. This will be the Aces first game since last Friday while the Wings played Sunday in Minnesota. Expect Las Vegas to roll. Take Las Vegas (10*).

Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Minnesota at 9:30 pm et on Friday.

The Storm were stunned in their home opener against these same Lynx on Tuesday, dropping an 83-70 decision as 7.5-point favorites. The good news is, Seattle is a long-term 225-182 ATS when coming off an ATS defeat including 23-16 ATS in that situation over the last two-plus seasons. The Storm are also a long-term 42-34 ATS when coming off an upset loss at home. Meanwhile, Minnesota is a long-term 46-49 ATS as a home underdog including 7-11 ATS over the last two-plus seasons. Take Seattle (10*).

My selection is on Atlanta plus the points over Washington at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

Washington has been far too soft defensively to warrant being a considerable road favorite against the Dream in Atlanta on Wednesday. The Mystics have allowed 30+ made field goals in six of their last nine games, despite seven of those opponents getting off fewer than 70 field goal attempts. Atlanta figures to take full advantage, noting that it has knocked down 31 and 33 field goals in its last two contests and has generally been forcing the issue offensively this season, hoisting up 70+ FG attempts in six of its last nine games. Defensively, we've seen the Dream tighten things up lately, limiting three of their last four opponents to 27 or fewer made field goals. Meanwhile, Washington has made good on fewer than 30 field goals in five of its last seven games overall. Take Atlanta (8*).

WNBA Game of the Year. My selection is on Connecticut minus the points over Dallas at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

While the Sun have won just twice in their last five games, including an narrow two-point victory over Washington last time out, I believe they're on the cusp of going on another run. Connecticut has certainly been 'filling it up' lately, knocking down 31, 27, 32 and 30 field goals over its last four games. Now it draws a favorable matchup against a Dallas defense that has yielded its last two opponents 34 and 37 made field goals (on 76+ attempts). In fact, the Wings have allowed 28+ made field goals in 10 of their last 11 contests. Only one of Connecticut's last five opponents has managed to knock down more than 27 field goals. I like the way the Sun have been limiting their opponents scoring opportunities, allowing fewer than 70 FG attempts in six consecutive games. While Dallas did make good on 33-of-66 FG attempts last time out against Los Angeles, it is just one game removed from shooting a miserable 17-of-59 against a subpar Minnesota defense. Dallas has made 30+ field goals only twice in its last five contests. Dallas snuck away with a victory in Connecticut in the first meeting between these two teams this season but revenge was sweet for the Sun as they won by 31 points two nights later. Here, we'll note that Connecticut is on a 19-6 ATS run against Western Conference opponents, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 8.4 points. Take Connecticut (10*).

WNBA Game of the Week. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Los Angeles at 9 pm et on Saturday.

The Storm have quietly rounded back into form, going 6-1 SU and 4-3 ATS over their last seven games, including back-to-back SU and ATS victories entering Saturday's contest against the Sparks. Seattle has been 'filling it up', knocking down 37, 29, 28, 28, 32 and 31 field goals over its last six games and should be able to keep it going against a weak Los Angeles defense that has yielded 32+ made field goals in seven of its last 10 games. The Sparks offense has been wildly inconsistent lately. After scoring 82 and 84 points over a two-game stretch it was held to just 59 points on 26-of-79 shooting against a vulnerable Chicago defense last time out. The Storm took the first meeting between these two teams by just three points back in May. Keep in mind, that matchup came at a time when Seattle was playing an uneven brand of basketball. The Sparks shot the lights out in that contest, something I don't anticipate them doing here. Take Seattle (10*).

WNBA Revenge Game of the Year. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Dallas at 8 pm et on Friday.

We missed with the Storm in the last meeting between these two teams last week as Seattle was trounced by 17 points, at home no less. The Wings have now taken the last two matchups in this series but I look for the Storm to get their revenge on Friday. This will be Dallas' first game back home since May 21st as it comes off a tough five-game road trip that saw it go 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS. We saw some signs of tired legs from the Wings at the tail-end of that trip as they knocked down just 26 and 27 field goals in their last two games. In the latter performance they actually got off a whopping 78 field goal attempts against Las Vegas. That doesn't bode well as they prepare to face a stingy Storm defense that has allowed fewer than 70 field goal attempts in nine of its last 10 games. While Wings' opponents have been 'filling it up' lately, making good on 30+ field goals in three of their last four games, the Storm have limited four of their last five opponents to 26 or fewer made field goals. We'll note that Seattle is a long-term 104-77 ATS when coming off four or five losses ATS in their last six games, as is the case here. The best is yet to come from the Storm at both ends of the floor and I look for them to build off Tuesday's double-digit win over the Dream on Friday. Take Seattle (10*).

My selection is on Washington minus the points over Chicago at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

Credit the Sky for shooting the lights out in Sunday's 91-82 victory over the Mystics - improving to 2-0 in this matchup this season. I don't expect a repeat performance as the scene shifts to Washington for Wednesday's rematch, however. Note that Chicago continues to afford its opponents a ton of scoring opportunities, relatively speaking. The Sky have seen each of their last seven opponents get off at least 70 field goal attempts. Washington managed 75 on Sunday - 10 more than Chicago - but couldn't make the most of them, unable to keep pace with a Sky squad that was blistering from the field (55%). Washington does continue to do a fine job of keeping down its opponents scoring opportunities, allowing 66 or fewer FG attempts in 10 of its last 11 games. On the flip side, even with Elena Delle Donne in and out of the lineup, the Mystics have been 'filling it up', knocking down 28, 33, 28 and 34 field goals over their last four contests. Here, we'll note that Chicago is a long-term 43-65 ATS after scoring 90+ points in its previous game, as is the case here. Take Washington (6*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Atlanta at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

I simply feel the Dream are in the wrong place at the wrong time on Tuesday night as they face a Storm squad coming off rare consecutive home losses. Seattle ran into a couple of red hot opponents in Dallas and Connecticut and suffered back-to-back defeats, as a favorite on both occasions. The Storm are favored again on Tuesday, and for good reason. Atlanta checks in off a nine-point victory over the lowly Indiana Fever. We've seen the Dream offense cool off over the last couple of games, making good on just 26 and 29 field goals. I'm not convinced they'll get a wealth of scoring opportunities in this one, noting that Seattle has held its last three opponents to just 65, 66 and 58 field goal attempts. Last time out, the Storm's opponent, an elite Connecticut Sun squad, shot the lights out - making good on 32 field goals. It happens. Seattle is still a top-flight defensive team, noting that it has held opponents to just 28-of-67 shooting on average here at home this season. Likewise, Atlanta has done a nice job of limiting its opponents opportunities lately, yielding 61 or fewer FG attempts in four of its last six games. Here, I expect Seattle to push the pace a little more than Atlanta's recent opponents, however, noting that the Storm have gotten off 70+ FG attempts in seven of their last nine contests. This is an ideal bounce-back spot for Seattle before it heads out on the road for a difficult five-game road trip. Take Seattle (8*).

WNBA Non-Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on New York minus the points over Minnesota at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

New York had its two-game win streak snapped at the hands of Minnesota on Sunday but I look for it to earn a quick ounce of revenge in Tuesday's rematch at Madison Square Garden. Minnesota's opponents have been 'filling it up', knocking down 31+ field goals in five of its last seven games with the low-water mark over that stretch being 28. Last time out, the Lynx shot the lights out but still won by 'only' seven points. The pace hasn't necessarily been there to match Minnesota's offensive production, noting that it has gotten off just 52, 60 and 63 field goal attempts over its last three games. I'm not convinced it can match the 31 made field goals it recorded on Sunday in Tuesday's rematch. I don't like what I've seen from the Lynx defensively as they've afforded their opponents far too many scoring opportunities, allowing 71 or more field goal attempts in four of their last five games. With New York coming off one of its best shooting efforts of the season on Sunday (it knocked down 32-of-71 FG attempts), I believe the door is open for it to hang a crooked number on the scoreboard on Tuesday. The Lynx have yet to string together consecutive victories this season and are 0-4 after scoring 80+ points, as is the case here. Take New York (10*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Dallas at 6 pm et on Sunday.

We missed fading the Wings in their most recent game as they stunned Seattle by double-digits on Friday night. I expect a different story to unfold as they continue their road trip in Las Vegas on Sunday. Note that Dallas' win on Friday had everything to do with Seattle coming out completely flat, ultimately making good on just 20-of-63 field goal attempts in that game. Here, the Wings aren't likely to be so fortunate against an Aces squad that has been absolutely filling it up (as usual), knocking down 31+ field goals in six straight games. While the Aces haven't exactly been dominant defensively - far from it, in fact- they do catch a favorable matchup here as Dallas wraps up a long five-game road trip, noting that it has made good on 28 or fewer field goals in three of its last four contests. Take Las Vegas (8*).

Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Dallas at 10 pm et on Friday.

Seattle hasn't fared particularly well from an ATS perspective as a favorite over the last couple of seasons but that's had a lot to do with the fact that we've generally seen inflated prices when it comes to the perennial contenders. That's not the case anymore, as evidenced by tonight's line - note that in two home games against Dallas last year Seattle was favored by 9 and 9.5 points. The Storm are in a fine spot here, rested and at home on the heels of four consecutive wins, however they went just 2-2 ATS over that stretch, also helping to keep this line in check. Additionally, they'll be without Sue Bird once again due to Covid protocols on Friday. She's struggled in the early going this season anyway, in what is likely to be her WNBA swan song season. Dallas checks in off consecutive losses against Connecticut and Los Angeles. The Wings most recent setback was particularly concerning as they got off 74 field goal attempts - knocking down 33 of them - while holding the Sparks to just 56 FG attempts yet still fell short. The Wings have now allowed 31, 29, 29, 27, 34 and 36 made field goals in their six road games this season. Here, we'll note that Seattle is a long-term 103-75 ATS when coming off four or five ATS losses in their last six games, as is the case here. Take Seattle (10*).

My selection is on Connecticut plus the points over Las Vegas at 10 pm et on Thursday.

The Sun hung with the Aces for four quarters two nights ago but simply couldn't knock down enough shots to prevail (or cover), falling by eight points. Credit Connecticut for getting off 78 field goal attempts in that contest. I expect them to fare better offensively on Thursday as they look to salvage a split here in Sin City. The Aces held a 20-12 edge in terms of free throw attempts, making good on 10 more shots from the charity stripe. The Sun are generally a disciplined defensive team and I expect them to bounce back in that regard here on Thursday. Things can go south in a hurry for Connecticut considering this is the front-end of a back-to-back set against Las Vegas and Phoenix (both on the road). I'm confident we'll see the Sun rise to the occasion. Take Connecticut (8*).

My selection is on Connecticut plus the points over Las Vegas at 9 pm et on Tuesday.

Two of the league's best teams will match up in Las Vegas on Tuesday night. I'll grab all the points I can get with the Sun in this spot. Note that Connecticut checks in just 4-4 ATS on the season. For the most part, it has been rolling along, however, scoring 90+ points four times in its last six games. Las Vegas has been even better, reeling off six straight wins, scoring 83 points or more in all six of those contests. The Aces most recent victory may have been their most impressive as they travelled to Chicago and won 83-76. Note that Las Vegas had to get off a whopping 84 field goal attempts to get to 83 points, managing to knock down just 31-of-84 of those shot attempts. I don't expect the Aces to come close to approaching that level of shot production against a tough Sun defense here. Las Vegas' recent opponents simply haven't been able to knock down their shots. Of course, the Aces defense factors into that but I don't consider them to be a truly elite defensive WNBA squad, unlike Connecticut. Las Vegas has allowed six of its nine opponents to get off 70+ FG attempts this season. Only two of Connecticut's eight opponents have managed to get to 70 with none eclipsing that number. Just one Sun opponent has managed to knock down more than 28 field goals this season and Connecticut still won that game by nine points (against Indiana). Last year, the Sun took all three meetings in this series. With that in mind, the Aces will obviously be up for this one but I look for Connecticut to at least take this contest down to the wire. Here, we'll note that the Aces have gone a miserable 2-12 ATS when coming off consecutive ATS wins over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscored by 1.6 points on average in that situation. Take Connecticut (8*).

My selection is on Connecticut minus the points over Indiana at 2 pm et on Sunday.

We saw the Sun turn in one of the worst quarters of defensive basketball we've seen them play in years on Friday night, allowing 34 points in the fourth quarter against the Fever. They still ended up winning the game by nine points. I don't expect to see a repeat of that performance here. The Sun not surprisingly had their way with the Fever defense as that game wore on. You'd be hard-pressed to find a weaker defensive team in the WNBA than the Fever as they continue what seems to be a never-ending rebuild. Credit them for shooting the lights out on Friday but with arguably their best offensive player, rookie NaLyssa Smith, likely to miss one more game (she's listed as doubtful for Sunday) I expect them to have a tough time keeping pace with a full-strength Sun squad on Sunday. Take Connecticut (8*).

Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Connecticut minus the points over Indiana at 7 pm et on Friday.

Fresh off a 27-point rout of the Liberty in an early season revenge game last time out, I look for the Sun to continue their ascension on Friday night back home against Indiana. The Fever appear to be the worst defensive team in the WNBA, at least in the early stages of the season. A never-ending rebuild continues and while the Fever offense has shown signs of life, it might be hard-pressed to keep it going on Friday with highly-touted draft pick NaLyssa Smith now sidelined. Note that Indiana has allowed opponents to knock down 28+ field goals in all six games this season, holding only one opponent to fewer than 84 points. Even in its last two games when it limited Atlanta to just 57 and 63 field goal attempts it still got torched for 85 and 101 points. Connecticut is rested and ready having played just three games this season. We've seen the Sun round into form fairly quickly, bouncing back from a season-opening loss in New York to deliver two blowout wins. Connecticut's first three opponents have had a tough enough time just getting shots off let alone knocking them down. The Sun have limited their first three opponents to just 59, 54 and 52 FG attempts. Indiana will be hard-pressed to keep within arm's reach here. Take Connecticut (10*).

My selection is on New York minus the points over Indiana at 8 pm et on Friday.

The Liberty opened the season with an impressive win over perennial championship contender Connecticut but couldn't follow it up, falling in a rout against Chicago four nights later. Here, I look for New York to bounce back as it hosts a constantly rebuilding Indiana squad that is in for a letdown off an upset win over Minnesota. I can't help but feel some regression is in order for the Fever after they got off 70+ field goal attempts and knocked down 30, 29 and 31 field goals in their first three games. New York on the other hand has plenty of room for improvement after attempting only 59 and 60 field goals in its first two contests (against two of the league's best teams). Defensively, we know the Liberty are capable after limiting the Sun to just 27-of-64 shooting in their most recent home game. Take New York (6*).

WNBA Non-Conference Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Washington plus the points over Las Vegas at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

Both of these teams are off to perfect 2-0 starts to the campaign. For the Aces, perhaps the hot start was to be expected as they've been one of the league's best teams for a number of years. While the Mystics are just a couple of years removed from a WNBA championship, they've been up and down as a franchise. I am high on Washington this season, however, already cashing one ticket with it in its season-opening rout of Indiana. Here, I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the Mystics as I feel they have plenty of upside in this spot and will be out to make a statement that Sunday's double-digit win in Minnesota was no fluke. Washington has managed to go 2-0, scoring 84 and 78 points despite being held to fewer than 70 field goal attempts in each of its first two contests. That's not to mention the fact that the Mystics made good on just 31 and 29 of those attempts. Here, I expect them to be able to find a few more scoring opportunities against an Aces squad that has yielded its first two opponents 73 and 76 FG attempts. The Aces have won and covered as a favorite in consecutive games but now fall in a tough situation as they're a long-term 18-36 ATS when coming off consecutive wins over division opponents, as is the case here, and worse still, 1-10 ATS when following consecutive ATS wins over the last three seasons, outscored by an average margin of 2.0 points in that latter situation. The Aces did take all three meetings against the Mystics last season but two of those wins came by three points or less. Finally, I'll point out that while Elena Delle Donne sat out Sunday's big win in Minnesota, she is expected back on the floor for Washington on Tuesday. Take Washington (10*).

My selection is on Washington minus the points over Indiana at 7 pm et on Friday.

While it was 'only the preseason' I saw enough out of the Mystics to believe they're back on the right track after missing the playoffs during an injury-marred 2021 campaign. The Indiana Fever remain in a perennial rebuild and while it does seem that they're finally pointed in the right direction (after making a whopping seven draft picks) it's going to take some time. They were wildly inconsistent in a pair of preseason contests and I expect more of the same out of the gate during the regular season. Unfortunately the schedule makers didn't do them any favors in their opener as they have to hit the road to face a hungry and experienced Mystics squad. This from Ariel Atkins on the first day of Mystics training camp back on April 18th, "We didn’t make playoffs last year. Ain’t nothing else we need to be talking about but work." “We didn’t make playoffs last year,” she repeated minutes later. "That’s not okay. It’s unacceptable.” Look for the Mystics to make a statement in their home opener on Friday. Take Washington (6*).

My selection is on Atlanta minus the points over Indiana at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

This is one of the only times I've backed the Dream this season but I believe the situation warrants such a play. Both of these teams are simply playing out the string at this point. However, it's Atlanta that comes in having gone 4-1 ATS over its last five games and has held all five of those opponents to 43.8% or worse shooting. Contrast that with the Fever, who have allowed five of their last six opponents to shoot 47.5% or better from the field with two of their last three shooting 52.3% or better. Indiana simply doesn't have a lot of healthy bodies at this point, essentially down to a seven-player rotation, getting little scoring production from its bench. Meanwhile, Atlanta should have Odyssey Sims back in the lineup tonight. The Dream are missing a number of key cogs as well, but I like the move to insert highly-touted first round draft pick Aari McDonald into the starting lineup last game. She can potentially give the Dream a bit of a spark in the final week of the season after struggling for much of the campaign. While she knocked down just 3-of-12 shot attempts last time out, all three of those made field goals were from three-point range. Note that Atlanta has now been held under 80 points in eight straight games. Prior to its current stretch, it had yet to be held under 80 points in three consecutive games this season. Look for the Dream to end that streak of futility here tonight, noting that the Fever check in allowing a whopping 88.4 points per game on the road this season, where they've been outscored by just shy of 13 points on average. Take Atlanta (9*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Washington at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

This line has fallen back into playable range with the Storm now laying single-digits against the reeling Mystics. Washington has shot better than 45.5% from the field just once since mid-June. Meanwhile, the Mystics defense has tanked, allowing four straight opponents to shoot 47.8% or better from the field. Seattle has also allowed consecutive opponents to shoot a lofty 48.2% or better from the field. I believe the Storm turn it around here, however, as they come well rested having not played since September 2nd, with that contest coming here at home as well. The Storm haven't shot better than 50% from the field in a game since back on June 11th. I expect them to approach that here, however, noting that Washington has allowed four of its last eight opponents to shoot better than 50%. Take Seattle (9*).

WNBA Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Atlanta at 7 pm et on Thursday.

Atlanta gave Chicago all it could handle two nights ago but again fell short by six points to remain winless since returning from the Olympic break. Now with a host of key injuries and absences it will be hard-pressed to bounce back as it welcomes what is sure to be a fired up Aces squad coming off a tough loss in Connecticut.

Las Vegas has already handled the Dream with ease once this season, rolling to a 118-95 win back on July 4th (we won with the Aces and the 'over' on that night). With A'ja Wilson coming off a ridiculous (and highly uncharacteristic) 1-of-15 shooting performance against an elite Sun squad two nights ago we can expect her to lead the bounce-back charge here. Note that the Aces also got poor performances from generally steady contributors in Jackie Young, Riquna Williams and Kelsey Plum in that loss.

The Dream appeared headed for another blowout loss on Tuesday before they caught fire shooting the ball in the second half. That was of course after Chicago had already built up a sizable lead and let down its guard defensively.

Things have gone downhill in a hurry for the Dream who didn't exactly start the season on the right foot. A suspension to Chennedy Carter has been key to their regression but the fact is, when you shoot below 41% from the field at home and average fewer than 79 points per game, you're not going to find much success in today's WNBA.

Las Vegas has shown the ability to win by margin on the road this season. Two of its last three road victories have come by 16 points or more. Note that the Aces haven't suffered any sort of drop-off in execution defensively on the road this season, holding opponents to 80.3 points per game on 41.6% shooting. I suspect this will be a situation where the Aces clamp down on the Dream offense, ultimately opening things up for their offense to rebound off Tuesday's poor showing. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on Washington over Los Angeles at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

The Sparks have reeled off four straight wins coming out of the Olympic break but I expect that streak to end here on Tuesday night in Washington.

Keep in mind, L.A.'s four wins have come against the likes of Indiana, Atlanta (twice) and New York - three of the league's worst teams. The Mystics would also appear to fit in that category based on their 8-14 record but I expect them to rise to the occasion here.

Note that Washington has had a tough slate of opponents since returning from the break, going up against the Aces (twice) and Mercury on the road before hosting the defending champion Storm on Sunday. While the Mystics dropped all four of those games SU they did manage to go 2-2 ATS with one of the missed covers coming by a single point.

Washington will have to deal with the absence of leading scorer Tina Charles for this one but it got a big boost with the return of Elena Delle Donne last time out so Charles' injury doesn't serve as quite as much of a blow. If the Mystics are to have any hopes of climbing the Eastern Conference standings and making a run at the postseason they need to win games like this - the second instalment of a five-game homestand.

Los Angeles has played just three road games since the middle of June, losing two of those. While the Sparks are finally healthy, I still don't consider them to be one of the league's elite teams. Note that despite holding the Liberty to 41.3% shooting on Sunday (and shooting better than 47% from the field themselves), they were still outrebounded by a 45-36 margin. They'll face a Mystics squad that managed to outrebound the Storm 48-45 despite shooting 36.8% from the field in Sunday's setback.

The Sparks have dropped each of their last two visits to Washington and I look for the Mystics to get the better of them here as well. Take Washington (10*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over New York at 7 pm et on Friday.

The Storm were once again without USA Olympic Gold Medal winners Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart in the first of this two-game set two nights ago. Still, Seattle led that game by double-digits entering the fourth quarter. It couldn't make that lead stand up, however, as it was held to just seven points in a brutal fourth quarter on its way to a four-point loss. I expect a strong bounce-back performance with Bird and Stewart expected back in the lineup on Friday (note that Bird will be playing what could be her final game in here hometown of New York).

Seattle has now dropped consecutive games coming out of the break but the fact that it was right there at the end of both of those games despite missing key cogs is encouraging. With championship pedigree, I'm confident we'll see the Storm bring their best effort on Friday.

The Liberty shot an uncharacteristic 51.7% from the field in Wednesday's come-from-behind win. Note that they shoot worse than 44% at home this season. Interestingly, the SU winner has gone a perfect 23-0 ATS in all Liberty games this season. I certainly look for the Storm to get back on the winning side here, and believe they'll cover this reasonable spread. Take Seattle (10*).

WNBA Revenge Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Minnesota at 10:30 pm et on Friday.

The Aces have plenty of reason to get up for Friday night's showdown with the Lynx in Las Vegas as they come off a tough overtime loss against Phoenix, at home no less, and look to avenge a narrow one-point loss suffered in Minnesota on June 25th.

We won with the Aces this past Sunday as they cruised to a 23-point rout of Atlanta. They couldn't follow that performance up with another stellar effort, however, as they shot just 43.9% from the field in an overtime loss to the Mercury on Wednesday night.

Keep in mind, the Aces are averaging an incredible 96.7 points per game on 49.9% shooting here at home this season. They've been a much more potent offensive team at home compared to on the road while also holding the opposition to just 39.5% shooting. That's why it's somewhat perplexing that we're 'only' being asked to lay 6.5 points (at the time of writing) in this spot given the Aces closed as six-point favorites on the road against Minnesota in that most recent meeting on June 25th.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the Lynx have gone on a tear, entering this game riding a five-game winning streak. Former Aces sharp-shooter Kayla McBride has been absolutely on fire over the last few games but what better team to slow her down than her former one.

The Lynx aren't exactly brimming with scoring depth, relying heavily on veteran Sylvia Fowles and McBride. Bridget Carleton did chip in with 10 points off the bench in Wednesday's win over Dallas but she had previously topped out at just five points in her last six games.

This will be Las Vegas' final home game before the extended Olympic break. Meanwhile, Minnesota will wrap up pre-Olympic play with a stop in Los Angeles on Sunday. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Atlanta at 6 pm et on Sunday.

This is a prime bounce-back spot for the Aces offensively after they were held to just 66 points on sub-38% shooting in the second of back-to-back games against the Sparks last time out. Note that Las Vegas averages a whopping 94.9 points per game on 49.5% shooting at home this season and should feast on a below-average Dream defense here.

Atlanta comes in with some confidence following a narrow 91-88 loss on the road against the defending champion Seattle Storm last time out. The Dream have now won consecutive games ATS after going 2-5 ATS over their previous seven contests. I don't believe that's a sustainable trend and they're certainly in line for some regression after committing just 17 turnovers over their last two games (they turned the ball over 50 times in their previous five contests).

The last time we saw the Dream shoot better than 47% from the field they followed up that performance with a 23-point loss at home against the New York Liberty. They're facing a tougher test here and I expect the Aces to ultimately win this one going away. Take Las Vegas (9*).

My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Connecticut at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

The Wings are quietly playing some of the best basketball in the WNBA right now while Connecticut is just trying to keep its footing without its best player, Jonquel Jones.

Regression was always going to be coming for Connecticut whether Jones got hurt or not. The Sun got off to a tremendous start this season but have now lost three games in a row and five of their last seven overall. Without a true go-to scorer they've struggled to keep up with the league's better teams. Tonight's game should be no different.

We won with Dallas in its most recent game - a 95-77 rout of the Lynx on Saturday. The Wings are getting production from all over the floor right now, including off the bench. With Arike Ogunbowale in a bit of a shooting slump, others have picked up the slack, most notably Marina Mabrey, who poured in 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting off the bench on Saturday. While she's unlikely to turn in that type of performance again tonight, I do expect a bounce-back of sorts from the duo of Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally, with the latter scoring just seven points in 15 minutes on Saturday.

The Sun leaned heavily on their defensive play early in the season but have struggled in that regard lately. On the season, they've allowed the opposition to shoot better than 46% from the field here at home. With Dallas playing at a fast pace that spells trouble for the Sun on Tuesday.

By contrast, the Wings have held opponents to 42% shooting on the road and have held four of their last six opponents to 41.4% shooting or worse. Take Dallas (10*).

My selection is on Dallas minus the points over Minnesota at 8 pm et on Thursday.

I wasn't all that high on Dallas early in the season as they were dealing with some key absences and putting too much on the shoulders of Arike Ogunbowale. However, the Wings have gotten back to virtually full strength and the difference in their play has been staggering as they've gone 4-2 SU and a perfect 6-0 ATS over their last six contests.

Meanwhile, Minnesota still can't seem to get out of its own way. The Lynx did post three straight wins earlier this month but have since dropped two of their last three contests to fall to 4-6 on the campaign. They're the ones missing a number of key contributors now. While Napheesa Collier continues to shine, she's not getting a great deal of help. I've been waiting all season for former Aces sharp-shooter Kayla McBride to get acclimated with the offense but it just hasn't happened. Now their depth will be seriously challenged with only three players capable of giving them significant minutes off the bench with Natalie Achonwa sidelined.

The Wings shot just 32.5% from the field in their last game yet still managed to cover the spread in a competitive seven-point loss in Las Vegas. That came at the end of a tough five-game road trip, on the heels of three straight wins. Here, I look for the Wings to get back on track offensively as they reach the win column once again in convincing fashion. Take Dallas (10*).

My selection is on Minnesota minus the points over Los Angeles at 8 pm et on Saturday.

I'll lay the points with the Lynx on Saturday night as they look to bounce back from a close loss in Washington last time out. Minnesota has still won three of its last four games, not surprisingly coinciding with the team getting healthier. Napheesa Collier's return in particular has boosted the team's prospects in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is missing both Ogwumike's and not surprisingly suffered a lopsided defeat in Washington two nights ago (we won with the Mystics in that game) as they continue to struggle to find consistent offensive production. Here, they'll face a Sky squad that is locked in defensively right now, having held four straight opponents to 43.7% or worse shooting. Los Angeles has shot 37.5% or worse from the field in three of its last four contests. Take Minnesota (10*).

My selection is on Atlanta plus the points over Seattle at 8 pm et on Friday.

We missed with the Dream in this same matchup two nights ago as they fell flat in a 24-point rout at the hands of the Storm. Keep in mind, that game was actually close into the second half before Atlanta went on an extended cold streak and got caught chasing the game.

I'll back the Dream again here, as I expect them to make the necessary adjustments and do a better job of defending the Storm after they shot a blistering 55% on Wednesday. Seattle got above-average performances all over the floor in that game. In fact, the trio of Mercedes Russell, Sue Bird and Stephanie Talbot combined to shoot 13-of-17 from the field.

Meanwhile, outside of Tiffany Hayes, the Dream just couldn't knock down shots consistently. Atlanta is certainly capable of much better and needs a victory tonight to have a shot at a winning homestand with Washington rolling into town on Sunday.

Note that the Storm have posted three previous wins by more than 10 points this season. In their next game they've gone 2-1 with their two victories both coming by exactly three points. Look for the Dream to take the Storm down to the wire at the very least on Friday night. Take Atlanta (10*).

My selection is on Washington minus the points over Los Angeles at 7 pm et on Thursday.

The Mystics have managed to turn their season around, relatively speaking, by winning two of their last four games with the two losses over that stretch coming against two championship-caliber teams in Connecticut and Las Vegas. Here, I look for the Mystics to take advantage a depleted Sparks squad traveling across a couple of time zones to play this Thursday night contest in Washington. Note that while Los Angeles is coming off consecutive victories, its most recent came on a day where the game was essentially handed to it by a disjointed Chicago squad. The Sky had awful performances all over the court on that day while the Sparks saw Amanda Zahui B, Erica Wheeler and Te'a Cooper play above expectations in a come-from-behind five-point win. Washington has seen the duo of Ariel Atkins and Myisha Hines-Allen really emerge as consistent scoring threats in the last couple of games and I look for it to ride their strong performances to another victory on Thursday. Take Washington (10*).

WNBA Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Atlanta plus the points over Seattle at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

In my opinion, this is a bit of a lazy WNBA line set by the oddsmakers. Yes, the Storm are the defending champs and yes, Atlanta is coming off a 20-point drubbing at the hands of a middling Minnnesota squad - its second straight loss at the hands of the Lynx. However, I fully expect to see the Dream get up for this game. Despite the consecutive losses in Minnesota, Atlanta has been playing better lately, going 5-1 ATS over its last six contests. While losing guard Chennedy Carter to injury hurt, we've seen highly-touted draft pick Aari McDonald finally start to acclimate herself to the offense in recent games, most recently scoring a season-high 15 points in consecutive games against the Lynx. Meanwhile, Tiffany Hayes has scored 20+ points in four of her last five games and Cheyenne Parker, the Dream's big offseason acquisition, is rounding back into form after contributing 19 minutes and 12 points last time out. Seattle is coming off a hard-fought 1-1 split in a two-game set against the Dallas Wings at home and checks in just 1-5 ATS over its last five contests. I'll grab the generous helping of points with a Dream squad that despite its early-season struggles, hasn't lost three games in a row yet this season. Take Atlanta (10*).

WNBA Game of the Month. My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Los Angeles at 3 pm et on Saturday.

We just missed with the Sky in their last game as they blew a late five-point fourth quarter lead before dropping a three-point decision in overtime - their second straight heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Phoenix Mercury. Here, they'll continue their road trip against a Sparks squad that is off a blowout win against the lowly Fever, but play without a number of key players. While Los Angeles gets bit by the injury bug, Chicago gets healthier. The Sky welcomed back Allie Quigley and Stefanie Dolson last game and while both played limited minutes, they both contributed and I expect both to make even more of an impact on Saturday. Chicago isn't off to the start it had hoped for this season but there's obviously plenty of time to turn things around. This is a key spot and I look for the Sky to come up big. Take Chicago (10*).

My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Phoenix at 10 pm et on Thursday.

The Sky have a lot of room for improvement in this game after suffering a heart-breaking 84-83 loss on a buzzer-beating three from Kia Nurse two nights ago. Look for them to earn some quick revenge here as they head to Phoenix looking to snap their five-game skid. Chicago shot a miserable 38% from the field in that loss to the Mercury while Phoenix shot a blistering 52.5%. Yet it still took a 14-3 run to end the game for the Mercury to prevail. Here, Chicago opened as a short road favorite but has since shifted to an underdog role. That's just fine with us. The Sky are expected to have both Allie Quigley and Stefanie Dolson back for this game. How much they can contribute minutes-wise remains to be seen but the fact that they have them back in the lineup at least provides an emotional boost. Remember, this is a team that started the season with consecutive victories. Phoenix has been dealing with a key absence of its own with Diana Taurasi sidelined with a chest injury. Note that the Mercury check in 0-8 ATS the last eight times they've played at home after allowing 80 points or more in their last game, as is the case here. Despite Tuesday's loss, Chicago has still taken five of the last seven meetings in this series. Take Chicago (10*).

My selection is on Las Vegas plus the points over Connecticut at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

We were fortunate to cash a ticket fading Connecticut on Sunday as it faded in the game's final minute in an eventual overtime loss against the Lynx. Here, I look for the Sun to fall short once again as they host a surging Las Vegas Aces squad. I noted in Sunday's analysis that the Sun were a road-weary bunch and now they check in playing their seventh game in the last 14 nights in five different cities with not one occasion where they were able to catch their breath with consecutive games at home over that stretch. Meanwhile, Las Vegas comes in having played four of its last five games at home, forced to travel just once over the last two weeks - that being a relatively short trip to Phoenix. The Aces have reeled off three straight victories, going 2-0-1 ATS over that stretch and will be set on earning some revenge here after dropping a 72-65 decision at home against the Sun on May 23rd. While I have a lot of respect for Connecticut, I do feel it is still in line for some regression and should fall short against an elite Las Vegas team on Tuesday night. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on Minnesota plus the points over Connecticut at 7 pm et on Sunday.

Connecticut is off to a blazing 6-1 start to the season but I look for it to get tripped up here as it travels to Minnesota to face the winless Lynx on Sunday. Note that the Sun will be playing their sixth game in the last 12 nights, in five different cities. Also note that they're coming off three straight tightly-contested basketball games, all decided by seven points or less. Meanwhile, the Lynx got closer to full strength with the return of Napheesa Collier last time out and while they dropped their fourth game in a row, Collier contributed 14 points, six assists, three rebounds and two blocks in 28 quality minutes. They'll be happy to face someone other than the defending WNBA champion Storm after dropping consecutive double-digit decisions against them. While the Sun may be a little road weary, the Lynx will be playing for just the third time in the last 11 nights. The last time these two teams met we saw Minnesota prevail by nine points last August. Take Minnesota (10*).

My selection is on Atlanta plus the points over New York at 2 pm et on Saturday.

The Liberty have been one of the biggest surprises in the WNBA in the early going this season, reeling off five wins in their first six games. Meanwhile, Atlanta has quietly turned things around with three straight victories and I believe the Dream will be right there with the Liberty here today. Atlanta's turnaround has coincided with everything clicking on offense as it has poured in 83, 90 and 101 points in its last three contests. It should be able to continue that offensive surge against a middle-of-the-pack New York defense here. Give the Liberty credit for getting off to a hot start, but I'm not sure it's sustainable. They've certainly benefited from facing some struggling opponents in the early going (Indiana twice, Minnesota, Washington, Chicago and Dallas). I'll grab the points with the Dream here. Take Atlanta (10*).

WNBA Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Minnesota plus the points over Seattle at 10 pm et on Friday.

As defending WNBA champions, Seattle is likely to get every opponent's best shot this season. Perhaps even moreso here as Minnesota has been idle since dropping a 12-point decision at home against the Storm back on May 20th. The Lynx were right there in that one until Seattle caught fire in the fourth quarter. Here, I look for Minnesota to do a better job of keeping things close for 40 minutes. Note that the extra time off has given the Lynx a chance to get underrated Napheesa Collier back for this matchup. She was a force at both ends of the floor last season and adds to an already talented Lynx lineup. The extra time off should have also served to get former Las Vegas Aces sharp-shooter Kayla McBride better acclimated in the offense. Seattle has reeled off three straight wins since opening the season with a 1-1 split in a two-game set against the Aces. However, the Storm have failed to cover the spread in each of their last two games (we settled for a 'push' with Seattle in its three-point win over Connecticut earlier this week). With Minnesota desperate to end its three-game slide to open the season, we'll grab the generous helping of points on Friday night. Take Minnesota (10*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Phoenix at 10 pm et on Wednesday.

I'll lay the points with the Aces as they look to bounce back from a disappointing home loss against the Sun last time out. Phoenix is also coming off a home loss against Connecticut but will be in tough trying to bounce back against one of the best teams in the league, without one of its best players in Diana Taurasi, who is out indefinitely with a chest injury. The Aces shot a miserable 40.3% from the field in their most recent game with the duo of Liz Cambage and A'ja Wilson scoring just 24 points combined. Expect them to make amends here. Note that the Mercury's only two wins this season have come against Minnesota and Washington, two teams that are missing key players of their own and struggled in the early going this season. Las Vegas will have added motivation here after dropping both matchups with Phoenix last year. The Aces are the better team and I look for them to win this one going away. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Connecticut at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

Connecticut has exceeded expectations and gotten off to a perfect 5-0 start keyed by consecutive wins over the Mercury and Aces - two of the league's best teams - to open this three-game road trip. I expect the Sun to finally get tripped up on Tuesday night, however, as they face a tall task against the defending champion Storm. Seattle has just one blemish on its record so far this season with that setback coming in the second half of a two-game set against the aforementioned Aces. Note that the Storm swept last year's two-game season series, winning both meetings by double-digits. They've gone 14-8 in the last 22 meetings in this series. The Sun should have the Storm's full attention for this one given their undefeated record. Take Seattle (10*).

WNBA Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Dallas at 8 pm et on Saturday.

Dallas exploded for 94 points in its season-opening rout of Los Angeles last Friday night but should find the going much tougher as it returns home to host a Seattle squad that already appears to be in midseason form. The Storm are off to a 2-1 start with their lone loss coming in the second of a two-game set against Las Vegas. We should see the Seattle offense go off in this game as it faces a below-average Dallas defense that is missing a number of key cogs including two-way star Allisha Gray on Saturday. Arike Ogunbowale is an all-world talent for the Wings but she can't carry the team all on her own. I believe secondary scoring could be an issue moving forward with Gray sidelined as well as Satou Sabally. Seattle has taken five straight meetings in this series, going 4-1 ATS along the way. That includes a pair of double-digit wins in the bubble last summer. Note that the Storm check in an impressive 23-10 ATS after giving up 75 points or more in their last game over the last three seasons and 20-10 ATS against division opponents over the last two seasons, outscoring the opposition by more than 10 points per game in the latter situation. Take Seattle (10*).

My selection is on Las Vegas over Seattle at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

We won with the 'over' in Saturday's matchup between these two elite WNBA squads - a game Seattle won by a 97-83 score. The Storm turned in a near-perfect performance in that one, shooting 51% from the field and knocking down 12-of-27 (44%) of their three-point attempts. Here, I look for Las Vegas to answer back and finally exact some revenge after dropping four straight meetings in the series going back to last year's WNBA Finals. The Aces are certainly comfortable playing an up-tempo style, which they should be afforded once again on Tuesday night. Their downfall on Saturday was their inability to knock down outside shots, connecting on just 3-of-12 three-point attempts. Look for more of those shots to start falling on Tuesday as they earn a split in this two-game set in the Pacific Northwest, noting that Seattle is 10-25 ATS when coming off an upset win as a home underdog, outscored by an average margin of 7.4 points. Take Las Vegas (10*).

WNBA Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Minnesota minus the points over New York at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

New York is off to a perfect 2-0 start to the season but is fortunate to have faced the lowly Indiana Fever twice, and it's worth noting it needed a last-second game-winning shot from Sabrina Ionescu to secure one of those victories. Minnesota suffered a narrow two-point loss in its home-opener against Phoenix but should bounce back here against a weaker opponent. Keep in mind, the Lynx have taken four of their last five meetings with the Liberty, sweeping last year's two matchups by 26 and 30-point margins. Minnesota is a perennial WNBA title contender and should be right there in the conversation this season with the addition of Kayla McBride, who contributed 17 points in the season-opener. Of course the Lynx will be even stronger once they get Napheesa Collier back from quarantine later this week but for now, I believe this is a matchup they can handle with the Liberty missing a number of key players as well. Take Minnesota (10*).

WNBA Game of the Week. My selection is on Connecticut minus the points over Atlanta at 7:30 pm et on Friday.

I actually like the prospects of both of these teams but Connecticut is the squad that has legitimate championship aspirations, even if the odds are long on the Sun reaching that pinnacle for the first time in franchise history. The Sun return most of their roster from a year ago - a team that got off to a slow start before eventually rounding into form and going on a deep playoff run. While the Sun won't have Alyssa or Jasmine Thomas for Friday's opener, they do have Jonquel Jones back after she opted-out of the 2020 campaign, and should also have the services of Briann January (for limited minutes at least) after there was some question whether she would be able to start the season due to Covid quarantine. Losing Alyssa Thomas for the season to a torn achilles was obviously a major blow, but I do feel the Sun have the depth to stay competitive, especially if rookie DiJonai Carrington can exceed (or even just meet) expectations following an impressive training camp. Look out for Brionna Jones as well as she took on a bigger role in Jonquel Jones' absence last season and comes off an incredible championship season in the Czech Republic League. Atlanta has the potential to improve considerably following its second consecutive losing season but I'm not sure we're going to see it all work right out of the gate. The Dream will be without Tiffany Hayes and Cheyenne Parker for their opener, which means they'll rely heavily on sophomore guard Chennedy Carter and third-overall draft pick Aari MacDonald. Head coach Nicki Collen bolted for Baylor on short notice, leaving the team under the guidance of interim coach Mike Petersen. With a lot of new pieces to work with, it will likely take some time to figure things out. The potential is there for the Dream to be one of the entertaining teams in the league with a guard-heavy rotation, but on night one of the regular season, I expect them to fall short against a more seasoned Sun squad. Take Connecticut (10*).

My selection is on Minnesota plus the points over Connecticut at 2 pm et on Saturday.

I'll grab the points with the Lynx on Saturday afternoon as they try to build off a win in Washington. Minnesota had surprisingly dropped four games in a row before righting the ship with an 88-80 victory in Washington on Thursday. The Lynx will certainly face a stiff test against the Sun on Saturday, as Connecticut is off to a 6-1 start to the season. It is worth noting, however, that the Sun have cooled slightly, dropping the cash ATS in each of their last two contests. They're back home for the first time following a four-game road trip here, which always presents a bit of a tough spot. Minnesota ended a two-game slide in Connecticut with a win on this floor last season. Look for it to take Connecticut down to the wire at the very least on Saturday. Take Minnesota (10*).

WNBA Blowout Game of the Month. My selection is on Minnesota minus the points over Phoenix at 8 pm et on Friday.

The Lynx are off to a miserable 0-5 ATS start this season and have won just two of those five games straight-up. Keep in mind, the Lynx didn't drop their sixth game ATS until July 8th last season. I'm still a believer in this team and I'm confident we'll see them bounce back in a big way at home on Friday night. It is of course worth noting that Minnesota has been on the road for the last three games so it's not as if the Lynx have been falling flat at home. And this should be a favorable matchup for Minnesota as it went 3-0-1 ATS against the Mercury last season. In fact, the Lynx are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 meetings with the Mercury. Phoenix isn't off to a banner start to 2018 either, having lost three games in a row entering this one. I simply feel that Minnesota has a lot more upside right now and back at home I expect to see a much more focused effort. Take Minnesota (10*).