WNBA Best Bets for Friday, June 16
Phoenix Mercury at Washington Mystics -11.5, 158.5
Phoenix (2-6 SU, 3-5 ATS) will likely be without their star center, Brittney Griner, who is listed as doubtful with a hip injury. The Mystics just lost by 21 on the road at Indiana, in a game they were favored by four. This could be a great get right spot for Washington (5-4 SU, 2-7 ATS), but it seems like the team’s struggles go beyond what we’ve seen in live gameplay and their lack of focus doesn’t inspire me to lay almost 12 points with them here.
One thing has held strong for the Mystics—their defense. They allow the least opponent points per 100 possessions and have seen eight unders in their nine games. With Brittney Griner likely out for the Mercury, I’ll look to another under in this one. Elena Delle Donne should also be able to score at will. Also, the Mystics are outscoring teams by 20 points per 100 possessions in the first half of games, which ranks second in the WNBA. The second halves have been a different story, but if you can find a first-half bet on the Mystics, it could be worth some action.
Under 158.5
Minnesota Lynx at Los Angeles Sparks -5, 163.5
These teams last played each other on June 11th in Minnesota, a game the Lynx came from behind to win, 91-86. Los Angeles (5-4 SU, 5-3-1 ATS) has been battling injury and illness absences left and right, and this Friday matchup is no different. Chiney Ogwunmike (foot) and Jasmine Thomas (knee) are both listed as questionable, while Nia Clouden (knee), Lexie Brown (non-covid illness), and Layshia Clarendon (foot) are all listed as out. Fortunately, their leading scorer Nneka Ogwumike will still be available.
Minnesota (2-7 SU, 4-5 ATS) is one of three teams with only two wins this season. Diamond Miller and Aerial Powers are both still out with ankle injuries. However, they just signed free agent and 2022 fourth overall pick Emily Engstler under a hardship contract which should add a boost on both ends of the floor.
Overall, both these teams have lacked consistency. The Sparks should win this game, but this spread may be a big ask from a team playing so short-handed. LA also had to play an additional game since they last played the Lynx, while Minnesota has not played since the June 11th win. The Sparks’ defense has been solid (3rd in defensive rating), but the Lynx scoring has also surprised. They have covered four out of their last five games after opening the season with four failures to cover. On the other hand, LA has performed noticeably better at home, a perfect 4-0 ATS at Crypto.com Arena. Nevertheless, I’d lean with the Lynx here.
