Sports Picks & Predictions

My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Dallas at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

This matchup is more about who won't be on the floor than who will as the Sky and Wings begin their respective campaigns on Wednesday. Chicago will be without number three overall draft pick Kamilla Cardoso for at least a month after she got hurt in the team's first preseason game. The Sky already figured to be one of the league's worst teams this season so her absence strikes a blow to be sure. Dallas is a bit of a wild card entering the 2024 campaign but one thing we do know is it will be without one of its best players in Satou Sabally through the Olympic break in August after she suffered a shoulder injury. It will be all about treading water until Sabally can return for the stretch run. The 'watch factor' is about as low as it gets in this early season affair. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Washington at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

We've seen five straight meetings between these two teams go 'over' the total and that's notable as that's the longest streak of its kind in this series since 2015-16. On that occasion, the next matchup totalled just 137 points (easily staying 'under' the closing total of 165). This series obviously goes back a long way yet we've never seen six straight matchups go 'over' the total. I expect that to hold true as the Liberty and Mystics match up for the first time in 2024 on Tuesday. Washington continues its rebuild and will look to avenge last year's first round playoff exit at the hands of New York. The Mystics want to become more of a three-point shooting team but it's going to take some time to find success doing that. The Liberty are obviously loaded with talent and a true WNBA title contender after bowing out in the final last year. I'm not convinced we'll see them throw everything they have at the Mystics in this very winnable road game on opening night, however. Keep in mind, New York will be back at it for Caitlin Clark's home debut with the Fever on Thursday. Take the under (8*).

Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Los Angeles at 7 pm et on Monday.

The most recent meeting between these two teams totalled only 155 points so not surprisingly we're dealing with a lower posted total this time around. I'm not sure we've seen enough of an adjustment though. The Mercury have done a nice job of limiting their opponents scoring opportunities lately, allowing 67 or fewer field goal attempts in six straight games. They allowed 91 points in their most recent contest - a blowout loss against Chicago as the Sky quite simply shot the lights out (30-of-57 from the field). While Los Angeles has been 'filling it up' lately, making good on 37 and 30 field goals over its last two contests I expect it to run into a speedbump here. Note that the Sparks have tightened things up defensively, allowing 27 or fewer made field goals in three of their last four games. You would have to go back five games to find the last time Los Angeles allowed 70+ field goal attempts. With Phoenix playing its second game in three days and Los Angeles in a 3-in-4 situation, I'm not convinced either side will be interested in a track meet here. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Connecticut at 7 pm et on Friday.

Seattle has seen each of its last three games go 'over' the total as its three opponents on its current road trip have quite simply shot the lights out. Note that the Storm do check in having held seven consecutive opponents to fewer than 70 field goal attempts. I don't think they'll have any interest in getting involved in a track meet as they play their fourth road game in the last eight nights, against a Connecticut squad that just put up 105 points in a double-digit win over Atlanta two nights ago. The Sun usually rank among the top defensive teams in the WNBA but like the Storm, they've run into some hot-shooting opponents of late. Note that Connecticut is still allowing just 28-of-66 shooting on average at home this season. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 18-8 with the Storm coming off three straight games totalling at least 155 points over the last three seasons, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Sun have seen the 'under' cash at a 13-5 clip when coming off four or five ATS wins over their last six games over the last two seasons, which is also the situation tonight. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Minnesota at 9 pm et on Tuesday.

Seattle is coming off consecutive 'over' results in a two-game set in Dallas. The Wings shot exceptionally well in those two contests, knocking down 30 and 31 field goals. I don't expect the short-handed Lynx to do the same against the Storm on Tuesday. Note that Minnesota is coming off a strong shooting performance of its own, making good on 32-of-71 field goal attempts but that came against the lowly Indiana Fever - arguably the worst defensive team in the league. It will face a much different challenge here. Note that in the first meeting between these two teams this season, a healthier Minnesota squad got off a whopping 79 FG attempts but still scored just 74 points. Seattle has been ultra-efficient offensively over its last several games but certainly isn't playing at all that fast of a pace. The Storm have attempted just 61, 67 and 62 field goals in their last three contests. I suspect we'll see them 'manage' proceedings should they build a lead here, noting that they're in the midst of a five-game in 10-night road trip. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 18-7 the last 25 times Minnesota has come off consecutive home losses, as is the case here. Take the under (8*).

Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Dallas at 4 pm et on Sunday.

We're dealing with a considerably higher total than we saw in the front half of this two-game set between the Storm and Wings in Dallas on Friday. That game finished with a whopping 177 points. Keep in mind, these two teams just met last week in Seattle and reached only 119 points. I believe Sunday's total will prove too high. Seattle absolutely shot the lights out on Friday night, knocking down 37-of-67 field goal attempts. The Storm also turned in an uncharacteristically poor defensive performance, allowing 30 made field goals. Here, I look for Seattle to 'manage' proceedings somewhat as it continues a tough five-game in 10-night road trip. Dallas checks in averaging just 26-of-68 shooting here at home this season. On the flip side, the Wings have held opponents to 29-of-64 shooting in the host role and should make the necessary adjustments after getting lit up by the Storm on Friday. Note that the 'under' is 12-4 with the Storm coming off consecutive wins over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of 153.8 points. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Las Vegas and Los Angeles at 9 pm et on Saturday.

The most recent meeting between these two teams saw the Aces set a WNBA three-point record in a 104-76 rout, easily cruising 'over' the posted total on that night. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday, however, yet we're being afforded a considerably higher total. The Sparks have had a tough enough time just getting shots off lately, attempting only 56, 56 and 59 field goals over their last three games. That's obviously not going to cut it against a team as strong as the Aces. With that being said, I'm not convinced the Sparks are interested in getting involved in another track meet here. Las Vegas hasn't played in nearly a week, last taking the floor in an 84-78 win over Dallas last Sunday. Note that only one of the Aces last four games has managed to go 'over' the total we're working with tonight. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Indiana and Connecticut at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

Considering the first meeting between these two teams this season saw a closing total of just 156 points, we're dealing with a considerable adjustment to the number here. Keep in mind, that first matchup was the first of a two-game set between the two squads here in Connecticut with the second seeing a closing total of 161.5. Both games went 'over' the total although the second matchup reached just 162 points, which would have stayed 'under' the total we're dealing with tonight. I think we see a bit of 'game management' from the Sun as they play their fifth game in the last nine nights (in four different cities) on Wednesday (before hosting Chicago on Friday). Note that Indiana has gone cold on its current road trip, knocking down just 25 and 23 field goals in losses in New York and Atlanta. Connecticut held Indiana to just 63 field goal attempts in both previous meetings this season. The Fever shot the lights out in the first matchup before the Sun made the necessary adjustments prior to the second. While Connecticut has seen the 'over' cash in each of its last four games, the pace hasn't necessarily been there as the Sun have gotten off just 59 and 58 FG attempts in their last two contests. Look for Wednesday's total to prove to be too high. Take the under (8*).

Eastern Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Chicago at 6 pm et on Sunday.

We missed with the 'under' the last time these two teams met as they fell just short of the total with 155 points. We're actually dealing with an even lower posted total this time around as Washington enters this contest on a seven-game 'under' streak while Chicago has seen the 'under' cash in each of its last three games. Expect those streaks to end on Sunday. Washington is suddenly pushing the pace a bit, getting off 70+ field goal attempts in each of its last three games. It should be afforded plenty of scoring opportunities against the Sky, who have allowed 70+ field goal attempts in six straight contests. In the most recent meeting between these two teams Washington simply couldn't make good on its wealth of opportunities, knocking down just 27 of 72 FG attempts. The Mystics enter this game off three straight quality performances in which they made good on 28, 33 and 28 field goals. Chicago hasn't fared particularly well offensively in its last few games but back home, where it averages 31-of-70 shooting, I expect it to bounce back. Note that Washington, while a terrific defensive team, has still allowed 28 and 30 made field goals over its last two road contests. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Atlanta at 12 noon et on Sunday.

We missed with the 'under' in the Mercury's most recent game - a wild 99-94 loss in Los Angeles on Wednesday. While the pace wasn't necessarily there for such a high-scoring affair (Phoenix got off 66 field goal attempts and Los Angeles countered with 66), both teams shot the lights out. I expect a much different story to unfold as the Mercury stay on the road for a third straight game, facing the Dream in Atlanta on Sunday. Note that while Phoenix has seen its last three games go 'over' the total, Atlanta is coming off consecutive 'under' results. The Dream have held four of their last five opponents to 68 or fewer FG attempts with their last two opponents getting off only 55 and 60. While the Mercury have been struggling defensively, they've also run into three consecutive hot-shooting opponents with Dallas, Las Vegas and Los Angeles all knocking down 34+ field goals. Here, Phoenix catches a Dream squad that has made good on just 27 and 20 field goals over its last two contests and has been held to fewer than 29 made field goals in six of seven contests this season. The outlier was a non-competitive 101-79 victory over arguably the league's worst team in Indiana. Last year's three meetings between these two teams produced 173, 153 and 151 points. Note that the outlier saw Phoenix get off a ridiculous 90 FG attempts with both teams knocking down 35+ field goals. The fact that those numbers 'only' ended up leading to a total of 173 points was encouraging for our purposes today. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 14-5 with Phoenix coming off a game in which it scored 90+ points over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 159.9 points. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Connecticut at 7 pm et on Saturday.

Washington has seen the 'under' cash in four straight games while Connecticut is riding a five-game 'over' streak. Obviously something has to give in this one. I have a lot of respect for both of these teams but in particular for their defense. Washington has been as stingy as it gets this season, holding opponents to just 25-of-64 shooting on average. While tonight's matchup is a difficult one, especially given Connecticut has scored 90+ points in four of its last five games, consider that the Mystics did already face arguably the league's best offensive team in the Las Vegas Aces earlier this season, and held up well, allowing only 76 points on 27-of-65 shooting. Connecticut's recent offensive surge has come against some of the league's weakest defensive teams in New York, Indiana (twice) and Dallas (twice). The Sun have been playing smothering defense as usual, holding six of seven opponents to 65 field goal attempts or fewer and four of those seven opponents to 24 or fewer made field goals. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 with Washington playing on the road after winning three of its last four games ATS over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of just 151.8 points. The 'under' is 13-4 with Connecticut coming off a game that totalled 165+ points over the same stretch, as is the case here, leading to an average total of 152.5 points. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Wednesday.

Both of these teams have posted disappointing defensive numbers in the early going this season with Phoenix allowing just shy of 88 points per game and Los Angeles giving up just over 85 points per contest. Both have also faced very difficult schedules, however. The Mercury have already gone up against the league's best offensive team, the Las Vegas Aces, three times. Their other three games haven't been easy either, facing perennial championship contender Seattle twice and a surging Dallas squad in another. Meanwhile, the Sparks are coming off a difficult three-game in seven-night stretch that saw them face the Lynx, Storm and Aces in three different cities. I look for the scoring to finally settle down for both teams here, noting that last year's three meetings produced just 165, 146 and 167 points. Yes, two of those outcomes were right around the total we're dealing with tonight but I'm not convinced that either team wants to get involved in a track meet here, especially with both riding extended losing streaks (Phoenix has lost three in a row while Los Angeles has dropped five straight games). Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Indiana and Chicago at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

We missed with the 'over' in Chicago's most recent game as it won by an 82-73 score in Washington on Sunday. The 'under' has now cashed in the Sky's last two games and has gone 3-0-1 in their last four overall. I expect a different story to unfold on Tuesday, however. Despite the 'under' streak, the Sky are 'filling it up' offensively and should only get stronger now that Kahleah Copper has returned and shook off the rust with a 5-of-11 shooting performance on Sunday. Chicago has knocked down 36, 31, 28, 30 and 34 field goals in five games this season. Indiana doesn't figure to offer much resistance. The Fever have allowed 31+ made field goals in six of their eight games this season. They were locked down in a rematch with Connecticut on Sunday, scoring only 70 points but I'm confident we'll see them improve on that number here. Note that Chicago is in a fairly obvious letdown spot here after holding two terrific offensive teams in Seattle and Washington to 74 and 73 points. Note that it did allow 70+ field goal attempts in those two contests. Indiana may be without NaLyssa Smith again on Tuesday but that's been factored into this total. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Las Vegas at 10 pm et on Monday.

Both of these teams have seen the 'over' cash in consecutive games but I look for a different story to unfold on Monday night in Sin City. The pace hasn't necessarily been there in the Sparks last two contests, with both teams getting off fewer than 70 field goal attempts on both occasions. The Sparks, however, shot the lights out in both games, knocking down 32 field goals in each. Here, I expect Los Angeles to face some resistance, noting that the Sparks - while known for their offensive prowess - have done a nice job defensively, holding three of their last four opponents to fewer than 30 made field goals and all four of those opponents to 70 or fewer field goal attempts. We've cashed some 'over' tickets in games involving the Sparks this season, noting that we expected them to struggle defensively out of the gate. Lately, we have seen them do a better job though, as they've limited four straight opponents to 70 or fewer FG attempts after allowing Indiana to get off 78 back in their second game of the season. While Las Vegas averages 91.7 points per game this season, it's worth noting that number drops to 83.9 points after scoring 90+ points in consecutive games over the last two seasons (23-game sample size), as is the case here. Also note that the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 with the Sparks coming off four consecutive losses over the last two seasons with that situation producing an average total of just 135.7 points. Take the under (8*).

WNBA Eastern Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Washington at 3 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'under' in the Mystics gritty road win over Atlanta two nights ago. I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the 'over' as they return home to host Chicago on Sunday. The Mystics were without Elena Delle Donne for Friday's game as she had a scheduled night off as she eases her way back from injury. She should be back in the lineup on Sunday to boost a deep Mystics offense that scored 78 points on Friday despite getting off just 55 field goal attempts and shooting a miserable 3-of-18 from three-point range. Note that Washington has put up 84+ points in all three home games this season. Chicago is coming off a low-scoring contest against Seattle, falling by a 74-71 score. The Sky have had plenty of time to get over that setback on Wednesday and I fully expect a stronger offensive performance here. The extra days off should have certainly served Allie Quigley well. The Sky sharp-shooter has been easing her way back into game action, contributing in just 15 points in 43 minutes of action in her two games back in the lineup. Candace Parker has been held to exactly 11 points in three straight games after scoring 21 in Chicago's season-opener. Like Quigley, I expect Parker to make a more significant contribution against the Mystics on Sunday. The Mystics were fortunate to give up 'only' 73 points in Friday's win considering Atlanta was able to get off 66 field goal attempts. Expect Chicago to improve on that number here. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Dallas at 8 pm et on Saturday.

Both of these teams enter Saturday's contest off high-scoring affairs - in the case of Minnesota, consecutive high-scoring affairs. I expect a different story to unfold here. The Lynx have shot incredibly well in splitting the first two games of their three-game road trip, knocking down exactly 31 field goals and scoring exactly 87 points in each of those contests. Now, however, playing their third game in five nights in three different cities, I look for some regression. The Wings allowed 73 field goal attempts in Phoenix two nights ago but still prevailed by a 94-84 score. Note that Dallas had previously limited each of its first four opponents to 66 or fewer field goal attempts. For their part, the Lynx have held all six of their opponents to 70 or fewer FG attempts this season. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 24-11 with the Lynx playing on the road after consecutive games that totalled 165+ points, as is the case here. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Seattle at 10 pm et on Friday.

We missed with the 'under' in Seattle's most recent game but did cash the 'over' the last time Los Angeles took the floor on Wednesday night against Minnesota. Here, I'm anticipating a relatively high-scoring affair and we're being afforded a very reasonable total, thanks in large part to the Storm coming off consecutive 'under' results. Seattle welcomed superstar Breanna Stewart back to the floor on Wednesday and she made an immediate impact, scoring 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting. I certainly expect a bigger contribution from her on Friday. Seattle has yet to really bust out offensively this season but it's coming. The Storm have gotten off 70+ field goal attempts in four straight games. In the only game where they didn't reach that mark they knocked down 35-of-66 field goal attempts in a season-opening 97-74 rout of Minnesota here at home. On the flip side, opponents have been 'filling it up' against Seattle so far this season, knocking down 31, 30, 36, 26 and 30 field goals in its first five games. Speaking of 'filling it up', the Sparks have allowed the opposition to make good on 36, 29, 24, 28 and 31 field goals in their first five games, allowing 77+ points in each contest. That's not surprising as I had Los Angeles pegged as one of the league's weakest defensive teams - at least early in the season. The good news is, the Sparks offense does appear much-improved, largely due to the acquisition of Liz Cambage. They bounced back from a subpar shooting effort against an elite and highly-motivated Connecticut squad, scoring 84 points on 32-of-67 shooting against Minnesota on Wednesday. They would likely prefer to turn this game into a bit of a slugfest but I expect them to get dragged into a track meet (by WNBA standards at least). Take the over (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Atlanta at 7:30 pm et on Friday.

The Dream have seen each of their last three games go 'over' the total but I look for a different story to unfold on Friday night in Atlanta. Note that the Dream's last two games have come against a perennially-rebuilding Indiana squad that simply hasn't shown much cohesiveness defensively in the early going this season. It's a different story on Friday as the Dream will welcome the Washington Mystics, who are looking like an elite defensive squad in the early going this season. The Mystics have held three of their last four opponents to 27 or fewer made field goals. They'll need to keep it up here as their offense could lag with Elena Delle-Donne sitting out and Myisha Hines-Allen questionable to play after being forced to leave their last game due to injury. While Washington's offense has been sharp this season, the pace hasn't really been there as it has gotten off fewer than 70 field goal attempts in four of five games - not surprisingly the 'under' has cashed in four of those five contests. It's an even more magnified story for the Dream as they've hoisted up 65 or fewer field goal attempts in four of five games. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Thursday.

Both of these teams enter Thursday's showdown in Phoenix off consecutive 'under' results. I like the bounce-back spot for both offenses here. The Wings roster is loaded with shooters but the best of the bunch is Arike Ogunbowale and she's coming off a miserable performance against Washington. The Wings shot just 25-of-61 in that loss - which was a revenge game for Washington after Dallas defeated it on the road back in the second game of the season. We saw a similarly poor offensive effort from Dallas back in its season-opener against Atlanta but it successfully bounced back with a 94-point explosion against the aformentioned Mystics in its next game. The problem for the Wings - a common problem in recent years - has been slowing down opposing offenses. Dallas' opponents have been 'filling it up', knocking down 31, 29 and 34 field goals over its last three contests. That's despite the fact that the Wings opponents this season haven't really been pushing the pace. I expect Phoenix to do so on Thursday, however, as it looks to respond at home off a double-digit loss in Las Vegas. The Mercury made good on 36 and 33 field goals in their first three games but were bottled up in their last two contests, knocking down just 26 field goals on each occasion. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 9-1 with the Mercury coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of 176.5 points. The 'over' is also 10-2 with Phoenix coming off a double-digit loss over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 176.5 points. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Seattle at 10 pm et on Wednesday.

We won with the 'over' in Chicago's season-opening overtime loss to Los Angeles. Since then, the Sky have posted consecutive 'under' results. I expect a different story to unfold here as they continue their three-game road trip in Seattle on Wednesday. The Storm have been sorely missing Breanna Stewart, among others. While Stewart is unlikely to play on Wednesday (she's still in Covid protocol) they should have Epiphanny Prince back on the court. Coming off three straight losses, the Storm are desperate to get back on track here. The good news is, the pace has been there for a potential quick turn-around, noting that they've gotten off 76, 71 and 77 field goal attempts over the last three games. The shots simply haven't been falling. While Chicago is coming off consecutive wins, it hasn't exactly been playing lock-down defense in the early going this season. Its most recent opponent, the Minnesota Lynx, attempted only 59 field goals but still scored 78 points, shooting better than 49% from the field. I do think the Storm can find a way to push the pace a little more in this one, putting pressure on the Sky defense. Offensively, Chicago has been getting production from up and down its lineup. With that being said, Candace Parker has yet to really get going while Allie Quigley just made her season debut last time out and should improve on her 3-of-8, seven-point performance here. Despite having yet to get off more than 70 FG attempts in a game, Chicago has been filling up boxscores, making good on 36, 31 and 28 field goals in its first three games. Take the over (8*).

Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Tuesday.

As a perennial title contender, the Lynx certainly aren't accustomed to long losing streaks. They check into this game off four consecutive losses to open the season though. You would have to go all the way back to their season-opener against Seattle to find the last time they posted an 'over' result. I look for that to change here. Minnesota has seemingly gotten stronger with each passing game from an offensive standpoint and could potentially get Kayla McBride back in the lineup to give it an additional boost here. The Lynx have scored 74+ points in three of their four games this season and got to 78 points last time out despite getting off only 59 field goal attempts. We can anticipate the pace ticking up in this one as Los Angeles has yielded its opponents 70 (aided by overtime), 78, 69 and 70 field goal attempts in its first four games this season. The Sparks have been fortunate that their opponents haven't done a good job of taking advantage of all of those scoring opportunities - I think that's had more to do with shaky early season shooting rather than anything L.A. is doing defensively. Playing their fourth straight road game to open the campaign, it wasn't all that surprising to see the Sparks struggle offensively in Connecticut on Saturday. Off that 60-point performance I look for them to bounce back in their home-opener noting that Lynx opponents have been 'filling it up', making good on 35, 29, 31 and 28 field goals through four games. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Atlanta and Indiana at 3 pm et on Sunday.

The Dream got crushed 96-73 by the high-flying Aces two nights ago but noting that they had held Dallas and Los Angeles to just 59 and 75 points in their first two games, I do look for them to come up with a positive response defensively on Sunday. Indiana stunned New York 92-86 in overtime on Friday. Keep in mind, the Fever scored just 76 points in regulation time in that contest. They've been held to 77 or fewer points in regulation time in three of their first four games this season, which is to be expected given their youthful roster. I'm not anticipating a great deal of offensive fireworks in this one. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Connecticut at 7 pm et on Saturday.

We won with the 'under' in the Sparks most recent game as they fell by a 77-75 score in Atlanta. Here, I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the 'over' as they take on the Connecticut Sun on Saturday. Connecticut was stunned in a road loss in New York to open the season. The Sun looked out of sorts for much of that contest but should be much sharper here, and that should start with a strong offensive performance against what I consider to be one of the weaker defensive teams in the league in Los Angeles. The Sparks benefited from the Dream failing to take advantage of their scoring opportunities last time out (Atlanta shot 35% from the field) but isn't likely to be so fortunate against a first-rate Sun squad that has had a week off to prepare. I do like what I've seen from the L.A. offense in the early going with Liz Cambage obviously adding a much-needed dimension down low. This is a much deeper Sparks squad than we've seen in years' past and I'm confident we will see them bounce back following a poor shooting performance last time out (they were playing their third road game in six nights). Take the over (8*).

Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

We won with the 'over' in the Sparks season-opening 98-91 overtime win in Chicago but also cashed the 'under' in Atlanta's only previous game - a 66-59 victory in Dallas. Here, I believe we're working with an inflated total, largely due to Los Angeles' previous two games finding their way 'over' the total. The Sparks have shot exceptionally well in their first two games but I question whether they'll keep it up for a third consecutive road game to open the campaign. Liz Cambage has given the offense a big boost but the Dream to have plenty of bodies to throw at her and perhaps limit her effectiveness from the field. While the Dream were victorious in their season-opener, there were certainly signs that their offense will remain a work-in-progress. They knocked down just 20-of-63 field goal attempts against what will likely be a mediocre Wings defense. The fact that highly-touted draft pick Rhyne Howard led the team in scoring was encouraging but she had just 16 points. A top prospect from last year's draft class, Aari McDonald, continued to struggle, failing to knock down any of her three field goal attempts while scoring just one point in 17 minutes. The 'under' cashed in two of three meetings between these two teams last season. The only matchup that went 'over' the total still reached just 165 points and that was thanks only to both teams getting into the 80's in terms of FG attempts, something I don't anticipate seeing here. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Las Vegas and Washington at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

The 'under' has cashed in each of the Mystics first two games this season while the Aces are coming off an 'under' result of their own on Sunday against Seattle. I expect a different story to unfold as these 2-0 teams square off in the nation's capital on Tuesday. Note that all three of last year's meetings between these squads topped the total we're working with here, with the low-water mark being 167 points. The 'over' is a long-term 68-30 with the Aces coming off a home win over a division opponent, as is the case here following Sunday's victory over the Storm. The Aces also check in allowing 82.5 points per game when coming off consecutive ATS wins over the last three seasons (11-game sample size), which is also the situation here. If the Mystics are to approach the 80-point mark here, you have to figure Las Vegas won't be far behind, noting that it is listed as a road favorite in this contest and has put up 106 and 85 points without hardly breaking a sweat in its first two games this season. For its part, Washington has scored 84 and 78 points despite getting off fewer than 70 field goal attempts in each of its first two contests, a number I expect it to eclipse here with Las Vegas having yielded its first two opponents 73 and 76 FG attempts. Take the over (9*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Seattle and Las Vegas at 10 pm et on Sunday.

Both of these teams got off to incredible starts to the season with Seattle registering a 97-74 win over Minnesota and Las Vegas cruising to a 106-88 rout of Phoenix. While both of those games sailed 'over' the total, the fact is both games could have been even higher-scoring but the opposition simply didn't take advantage of the bevy of scoring opportunities they were presented with. Seattle allowed Minnesota to get off a whopping 79 field goal attempts while Las Vegas yielded Phoenix 73 FG attempts. In what shapes up as another fast-paced game between two of the league's elite teams, I'm not sure the oddsmakers can set the total high enough. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Atlanta and Dallas at 8 pm et on Saturday.

Two teams coming off disappointing 2021 campaigns will look to get the 2022 season off on the right foot on Saturday. I'm not anticipating a ton of offensive fireworks. Dallas looks good on paper but doesn't that always seem to be the case? While this looks like a layup out of the gate with the Dream coming off an 8-24 season, I do think that Atlanta can potentially slow the Wings offense - which runs through Arike Ogunbowale - in this one. Note that the Dream did lead the league in steals a year ago and can be a frustrating team to play against if nothing else. The question is whether the Dream can keep up offensively. They landed the number one overall pick in the draft by trading up, selecting Rhyne Howard. While there's a lot of optimism around her and Aari McDonald (who was somewhat disappointing in her rookie campaign a year ago) it's likely going to take some time for that duo to get in sync. Atlanta is one of the smallest teams in the league so unless the shots are falling here on opening night, things could get ugly. I'm not particularly high on either of these squads and feel this total will prove too high. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Chicago at 8 pm et on Friday.

All three of last year's meetings between these two teams saw closing totals higher than the number we're working with on Friday. Perhaps the oddsmakers are expecting the two teams to ease their way into the campaign but I'm not convinced that will be the case. After missing the playoffs last year, the Sparks will be determined to get off to a strong start this season. They made a big splash in the offseason, landing Liz Cambage from the Las Vegas Aces. The addition of sharp-shooter Chennedy Carter from Atlanta should pay immediate dividends as well. Keep in mind, despite the down season in 2021, the Sparks actually took all three meetings against the Sky. Chicago will likely once again be in the mix for a championship and playing with 'triple-revenge' should give the Sparks their best punch here, even if it is only game one of the season. The Sky barely broke a sweat in their two preseason games - both losses - but still scored 77 and 75 points. While the Sparks offense should be improved, their defense will remain a work-in-progress under head coach Derek Fisher. Expect plenty of fireworks in this one. Take the over (5*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Phoenix and Seattle at 10 pm et on Friday.

The oddsmakers seem to think that Seattle is 'punting' a second straight game as it gives its key cogs some much-needed rest at the end of the regular season. I'm not so sure. One thing we do know is that Phoenix has been held under 80 points in consecutive games for only the third time this season. On all three previous occasions their next game went 'over' the total with the Mercury putting up 91, 89 and 99 points in those three contests. Unlike last Sunday when the Storm essentially 'rolled over' in an 81-53 loss in Los Angeles, I do expect Seattle to be along for the ride in this one. Forget being held in the 50's, prior to their last game, the Storm had only been held under 70 points twice this season. The 'over' cashed in their next game on both occasions with those two contests totaling 166 and 182 points. Yes, Breanna Stewart will be out for the Storm in this one, as will Diana Taurasi for the Mercury. Still, I would consider this a 'defense optional' type of late season affair. Take the over (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Dallas and Las Vegas at 3 pm et on Monday.

This may look like a fairly low total for a game involving the high-flying Aces, however I believe the spot sets up well as a lower-scoring than expected affair. Note that Las Vegas enters this game having allowed more than 80 points in three straight games - the first time that's happened all season. On five previous occasions they've given up 80+ points in consecutive games and in their next contest, the 'under' has gone 4-1. Here, they should be able to right the ship defensively against a Wings squad playing on the road on just one day of rest after a hard-fought one-point victory at home against the Liberty on Saturday. The Wings are expected to be without two key cogs in Satou Sabally and Moriah Jefferson on Monday afternoon. Note that while the Aces are known for their offense they've actually held opponents to just north of 41% shooting here at home this season. Dallas would be well-served to do everything it can to slow the pace in this one, knowing that it's unlikely to stay competitive in a track meet with the Aces. It's interesting to note that Dallas has actually been a better defensive team on the road than at home this season, holding opponents to 43.5% shooting with the 'under' cashing at a 9-4-2 clip. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Seattle and Los Angeles at 9 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'under' in the Sparks most recent game, a 75-57 loss here at home against Connecticut. I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the 'over' on Sunday as the Sparks welcome the defending champion Storm. Seattle is going to be without Breanna Stewart for this one and likely for the remainder of the regular season. I'm confident enough in the Storm's scoring depth that they can still hang a crooked number on the scoreboard in this one. Note that Los Angeles has actually held six straight opponents to under 80 points - by far its longest such streak of the season. I expect that streak to come to an end here with Seattle rolling into this game having scored 85 and 105 points in its last two games - both double-digit victories. Note that the Storm are averaging 86.5 points per game on the road this season. The real question here is whether the Sparks can contribute enough offensively to help this one 'over' the total. I believe they can. They're coming off a woeful 2-of-10 three-point shooting effort against the Sun. Keep in mind, L.A. averages six made threes on 20 attempts at home this season. On the flip side, the Storm will give up their share of threes, allowing nine made on 23 attempts per game on the road this season. With the Sparks having scored less than 60 points in consecutive games - the first time that's happened all season - I look for them to make a concerted effort to push the pace a little bit in this one, noting that they're essentially just playing out the string at this point. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Dallas at 8 pm et on Saturday.

Both the Liberty and Wings are coming off subpar performances but I expect more in the way of offensive fireworks as they match up for the third time this season on Saturday night. Note that the previous two meetings totaled 169 and 195 points. New York checks in having scored under 80 points in four straight games - only the second time that has happened this season. It should be afforded a good opportunity to get back on track offensively against a Wings squad that allows over 82 points per game on better than 45% shooting at home this season. Dallas has allowed less than 70 points in two of its last three games. That has happened only once previously this season and in its next game it combined with Phoenix to score 166 points with both teams getting north of the 80-point mark. The Wings are certainly in line for a strong bounce-back performance offensively here after shooting 36.5% or worse in three straight games. Note that New York allows just shy of 84 points per game on just under 43% shooting on the road this season. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Connecticut and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Thursday.

This is a fairly low total by WNBA standards but it's warranted in my opinion. The Sun have opened their current road trip by scoring 85 and 83 points in wins over the Mystics and Wings. Note that prior to that they had scored 80+ points just twice in six games since the Olympic break. You would have to go back to May 16th to 21st to find the last time they put up 80+ points in three consecutive games. Keep in mind, tonight's opponent, the Los Angeles Sparks, have actually been pretty locked in defensively of late, holding eight of nine opponents to 44.4% or less shooting since the Olympic break. The problem is, the Sparks offense just isn't working. They've been held to 72 points or less in five straight games and now have to contend with an elite Sun defense that just held the Dallas Wings to a ridiculous 26.6% shooting. Connecticut checks in allowing just 72 points per game on 40% shooting on the road this season. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

The Mercury have scored 80 points or more in six straight games entering Wednesday's clash with the Dream in Atlanta. Keep in mind, their longest previous streak was four games scoring 80 or more this season. Here, they'll face a Dream squad that have seemed to figure out the only way they're going to win any games down the stretch is by locking down on defense. That's because their offense is essentially broke, due to injuries and suspensions, having shot 43.1% or worse from the field in all eight games since returning from the Olympic break. They're coming off a two-game stop in Dallas that saw them hold the Wings to a combined 53-for-152 (34.9%) shooting. While this is obviously a tougher test, it is worth noting that the Mercury are expected to be without Diana Taurasi and as I mentioned are in line for some regression as they end a stretch that saw them play six out of seven games away from home. Take the under (8*).

WNBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Las Vegas and Chicago at 3 pm et on Sunday.

The first game in this home-and-home set reached 173 points as Candace Parker went off for 30 points for the Sky while the Aces had A'ja Wilson, Riquna Williams and Kelsey Plum all contribute 21 points, weathering the storm without Liz Cambage and Dearica Hamby, who are both expected to miss Sunday's game as well. That frontcourt duo's absence opened things up for the Chicago offense, with Stefanie Dolson also scoring in double-figures. I do expect to see the Aces make the necessary adjustments here, noting that Parker and Dolson have both failed to record double-digit scoring figures in consecutive games since the return from the Olympic break. Las Vegas has of course been a lower-scoring team on the road this season and here will face a determined Chicago squad coming off back-to-back losses that knows it needs to tighten things up, and perhaps slow things down a bit, as they return home off a long road trip. Note that the Aces are averaging just north of 75 points per game away from home since the break and will be hard-pressed to improve on that scoring average with Cambage and Hamby sidelined. Meanwhile, as I mentioned Chicago is back home on just two days' rest following a five-game in 10-night road trip that took it all over the map. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Seattle at 10 pm et on Thursday.

With the Storm coming off three straight losses - their longest such streak of the season - we can anticipate a big bounce-back performance here at home against the Liberty on Thursday night. While that could lead to them locking in defensively, I believe there's a better chance we see the Seattle offense go off in what should turn out to be a high-scoring affair. Note that Storm home games have totaled an average of 165.6 points this season with the 'over' holding a slightly 7-6 edge in their 13 games to date. The Liberty check in off consecutive awful offensive showings, putting up 64 and 66 points in losses to Phoenix and Minnesota, respectively. There's reason to believe they can bounce back here, noting that they scored exactly 83 points in both games during a 1-1 home split against the Storm in August. We've only seen New York held under 70 points in consecutive games on one previous occasion this season. That was right before the Olympic break. When it returned after the break it scored 78 points in its first game back, with that contest totaling 166 points in Minnesota. Note that five of the last seven meetings in this series have gone 'over' the total with the 'over' holding a 12-9 edge in 21 meetings here in Seattle. Take the over (9*).

WNBA Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

The Sky are locked in defensively right now, fresh off holding the defending champion Seattle Storm to just 69 and 75 points in a two-game sweep in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Phoenix has scored 80 or more points in three straight games but that had more to do with the level of opposition it faced on its most recent road trip (against Atlanta and New York). Here, the Mercury will be up against a Chicago squad that allows just 76 points per game on 41.1% shooting on the road this season. Note that Phoenix could be without Brittney Griner for this game although we'll make the play on the assumption that she will play. The Sky lit up the Storm for 107 points last time out noting that the last time (and only other time this season) they scored over 100 points in a game they followed it up with a contest total totaled just 156 points. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Connecticut at 7 pm et on Thursday.

After holding their four opponents to 59, 60, 71 and 62 points since the Olympic break (all victories) it would only be human nature for the Sun to suffer a bit of a defensive letdown here. That's especially true when you consider Los Angeles was just held to 68 points in a loss that was more lopsided than the final score indicated in Washington on Tuesday.

Keep in mind, Los Angeles is as healthy as it has been all season. We've seen the Sparks alternate good and bad offensive showings since returning from the break and they should be in line for a better performance here than we saw against the Mystics two nights ago.

Connecticut has been in a similar pattern of good followed by subpar offensive efforts since returning from the break. I fully expect the Sun, and Jonquel Jones in particular, to turn in a sharp shooting performance here, noting that Jones scored in single-figures for the first time all season against the Aces last time out. If Connecticut was able to put up 76 points against an elite Las Vegas squad, with Jones having an off night you can only imagine what it is capable of doing against a Sparks team playing their third game in five nights in three different cities. Look for the Sun to set the pace here but for the Sparks to be along for the ride as well as they help push this one 'over' the very reasonable total. Take the over (9*).

WNBA Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

Both of these teams are reeling right now with Chicago having lost back-to-back games on its home floor and Atlanta having gone 0-4 since returning from the Olympic break and winless over its last eight games. With both coming off subpar defensive efforts look for them to make a concerted effort to rectify that on Tuesday night in Atlanta.

Chicago actually checks in as one of the league's better defensive teams but it gave up a whopping 101 points on 54% shooting against Minnesota last time out. The 'under' has cashed in seven of Chicago's 11 road games this season as the Sky have limited opponents to just 41.1% shooting away from home.

Note that Atlanta managed to score just 69 points in its most recent game - a 15-point loss to Phoenix - despite getting above-average shooting performances from Crystal Bradford, Odyssey Sims and Aari McDonald (combined 18-of-36 shooting). I would anticipate some offensive regression from the Dream here, noting that they're without two of their best offensive players in Chennedy Carter (suspension) and Cheyenne Parker (personal).

Chicago got monster offensive performances from Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot in its loss to Seattle on Sunday as the duo combined to pour in 54 points. Note that Vandersloot had previously been held to just six points combined in the Sky's first two games after the Olympic break.

The 'under' has gone 7-4 in Dream home games this season with those contests totaling an average of less than 164 points. The last time these two teams hooked up here in Atlanta they combined to score just 162 points back in May. That was with the two teams getting to the free throw line a whopping 60 times. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Thursday.

The Mercury have posted consecutive wins coming out of the Olympic break with both of those games going 'over' the total. I'm anticipating a lower-scoring affair on Thursday, however, as they welcome a Washington squad that checks in off back-to-back losses in Las Vegas.

We won with the 'over' in the Mystics 10-point loss against the Aces two nights ago. They got baited into a couple of up-tempo affairs against a superior Las Vegas offense. I don't expect them to fall into the same trap here (keeping in mind, the Mercury offense certainly isn't on the same level as the Aces').

Note that Phoenix lost Skylar Diggins-Smith early in its four-point win over Indiana on Tuesday and it remains to be seen whether she'll be able to return or how effective she can be tonight.

The key matchup here with be Mystics veteran Tina Charles going up against Brittney Griner. I actually think the two cancel each other out a little bit here as I'm not sure we'll see either go off offensively.

While Phoenix is generally known for its offense, it has actually shot below 42% at home this season but has held its own defensively, limiting the opposition to 43.3% shooting here at home.

Meanwhile, the Mystics, despite having scored 80 points or more in consecutive games in Las Vegas have shot just 42.5% as a team on the road this season, where they've managed just three wins in 11 games. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Las Vegas at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

This is a rematch of Sunday's wild 84-83 victory for the Aces. That game stayed 'under' the total and affords us a lower posted total to work with here on Tuesday. I believe it's the wrong move.

It took a while, but the Aces got on track offensively after the long Olympic break, scoring 29 points in the fourth quarter of Sunday's victory. Now I expect to see plenty of carry-over from that strong finish here.

Note that the Aces average north of 93 points per game at home this season on just shy of 49% shooting. There's certainly room for improvement after Sunday's 84-point effort.

I do think the Mystics will be along for the ride in what should be an up-tempo affair on Tuesday night. They'll be in a foul mood after blowing a 14-point lead entering the fourth quarter on Sunday. With Elena Delle Donne still sidelined, I think the Mystics remain a bit underrated offensively with the duo of Ariel Atkins and Myisha Hines-Allen really stepping up as the season has progressed. Washington is unlikely to go away quietly in this one and that should result in a high-scoring affair in Las Vegas. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Chicago at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

Dallas is coming off a disappointing 21-point rout at the hands of Connecticut as it returned to the court with a thud following the Olympic break. That poor performance did come against one of the league's best defensive teams though and I would expect a solid bounce-back effort from the Wings offense here.

Chicago certainly appeared to overlook a Seattle Storm squad that was missing a number of key cogs on Sunday but managed to rally in the fourth quarter to force overtime before ultimately prevailing by a bucket, 87-85. It took a while to get going but once they did, the Sky poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter and I would expect to see some progression from their offense here against one of the league's weakest defensive teams in the Wings.

Note that the last time these two teams met back in July they combined to score 191 points in a Wings home victory (we won with Dallas in that game). While this one might not reach that lofty total I do think it will eclipse the very reasonable number the books are offering. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 9 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'under' in the Lynx most recent game - a stunning 10-point win in Las Vegas on Friday night. Minnesota is playing as well offensively as any team in the league right now and I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the 'over' as it heads to Los Angeles to wrap up pre-Olympic play on Sunday night.

While the Lynx scored just 77 points in that win over the Aces, that had more to do with game flow than anything else. After building a 15-point lead at the end of the first quarter, and with the Aces making Liz Cambage a late scratch, they didn't have to pour it on for four quarters and essentially pumped the brakes in the second half.

Note that the last two times the Lynx have been held under 80 points they've put up 86 and 87 points in their next game with the 'over' going a perfect 2-0.

The Sparks continue to struggle without a number of key players but should put forth a strong effort here as they look to snap a five-game skid prior to the Olympic break. Keep in mind, their last four games have come against the Aces and Storm. They got bogged down offensively in those contests but should bounce back here.

While the Lynx are a quality defensive team, they do allow just shy of 80 points per game on the road this season and could suffer a bit of a letdown here after limiting the Aces to 35.8% shooting last time out. Having already won the first meeting in this series by 16 points this season it would be easy for them to overlook the Sparks here with the Olympic break on deck.

Los Angeles does average nearly two points above its season scoring average at home this season. Look for a higher-scoring contest than most are expecting here. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Las Vegas at 10:30 pm et on Friday.

We won with the 'under' in the Lynx last game on Wednesday night and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as they being a brief two-game road trip prior to the extended Olympic break.

The Lynx are one of the WNBA's better defensive teams, even on the road where they allow just 81.2 points per game (that's actually 0.7 points below their season average) on 43.0% shooting. They're a fairly well-rested team right now as this will be just their third game this month.

While Las Vegas is known for its explosive offense, it can play some defense as well, checking in allowing 81.4 points per game on 39.5% shooting here at home this season. With that being said, the 'over' has gone 7-3 in their previous 10 home games which affords us the opportunity to take the contrarian route at a generous number here.

Note that the Aces have put up 90 points or more in consecutive games (even though they needed overtime to get there last time out). They've scored 90+ points in back-to-back games on five previous occasions this season with the 'under' going 4-1 in their next game with an average total points scored of just 148.8 points.

Minnesota has scored 82 points or more in five straight games but I'm not sure that's a sustainable trend. Former Ace Kayla McBride has been red hot over the last few games but they'll need some help if Minnesota is to continue putting up big offensive numbers. The Lynx are short on scoring depth with little production off the bench on most nights. I don't believe they'll be interested in a track meet here. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Dallas and Minnesota at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

Both of these teams are coming off consecutive peak offensive performances but I'll go the contrarian route and back the 'under' in this one as they match up in Minnesota on Wednesday night.

Dallas has shot 50% or better in consecutive games for the first time this season. Keep in mind, prior to those two performances the Wings had shot 42.3% or worse in consecutive contests. They check in shooting just 43.4% on the road this season.

The Wings have seen the 'over' cash in three straight games - their longest 'over' streak of the season. In fact, only once this season have they seen the 'over' cash in three out of four games and on that occasion, their next contest totaled just 135 points.

Minnesota has shot better than 50% from the field in three of its last four games but it's interesting to note that all three of those performances came on the road. Here at home the Lynx are shooting just north of 45% on the season.

The 'over' has cashed in four of the Lynx last five games overall. That situation has come up twice previously this season and on both of those occasions their next game totaled exactly 158 points with the 'under' going 2-0.

This is the highest total we've seen in three meetings between these two teams this season. Look for it to prove to be too high. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Atlanta and Las Vegas at 6 pm et on Sunday.

The Aces are coming off an uncharacteristically-poor offensive performance against Los Angeles two nights ago as they scored just 66 points on 37.7% shooting. I don't expect it to turn into a slump, however, as the Aces return home where they average an impressive 94.9 points per game on 49.5% shooting this season.

Atlanta meanwhile nearly staged a massive upset on the road against Seattle last time out, dropping a narrow 91-88 decision. The Dream have actually been a better offensive team on the road compared to at home this season, averaging 3.4 points per game above their season average. The problem is, they've allowed just shy of 89 points per contest on 46.7% shooting away from home.

I have the Aces approaching the 100-point mark in this one which means we shouldn't need a peak performance from the Dream offensively to help this one 'over' the reasonable total. Take the over (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Saturday.

As this is a travel day, I'll keep my analysis relatively short for this play.

We saw a relatively low-scoring affair between these same two teams on Wednesday and I don't expect to see a much different result in Saturday's rematch.

Minnesota got a big performance from Kayla McBride in that game but those type of shooting efforts have been few and far between from her since joining the Lynx in the offseason. Phoenix is a quality defensive team and after allowing Minnesota to shoot 51% from the field last time out I expect it to make the necessary adjustments here.

Diana Taurasi's return has given the Mercury a bit of a boost offensively but this is a team that still hasn't really lived up to expectations this season. They were held to 46% shooting against the Lynx on Wednesday, including just 32 points in the second half. I'm not anticipating a great deal of improvement offensively as familiarity tends to lend itself to lower-scoring basketball more often than not. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Dallas at 8 pm et on Friday.

We won with the 'over' in this same matchup two nights ago but I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the 'under' as we deal with a higher opening total in Friday's rematch.

Chicago shot better than 47% from the field in Wednesday's victory. I'm confident we'll see Dallas make the necessary defensive adjustments here, noting that it had held four straight opponents to 43.7% shooting or worse prior to that contest.

Offensively, we've seen Dallas score more than 80 points in three straight games but I believe that streak could be in jeopardy here. The Wings have actually shot just 41.3% as a team at home this season. They're not getting the same offensive production from the secondary scorers such as Marina Mabrey and Satou Sabally right now.

As I noted in Wednesday's analysis, the Sky are one of the league's best defensive teams, limiting opponents to 74.1 points per game on 41% shooting on the road this season. They were in a tough spot on Wednesday but still kept the Wings offense in check for all intents and purposes. Expect an even better effort here. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Dallas at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

Both of these teams enter this game riding three-game 'under' streaks. I don't think that trend is sustainable, however.

Chicago is coming off a miserable 58-point performance in a blowout loss to Connecticut last time out. Candace Parker is certainly in line for a strong bounce-back performance here after shooting 3-of-11 for six points in that most recent contest. In general, I expect the Sky to rebound offensively here noting that prior to that last game they had scored 91 points or more in three straight contests. Dallas isn't exactly a defensive powerhouse - it actually allows 1.9 points per game more than its season average when playing at home this season.

The Wings have posted consecutive wins, scoring 89 and 85 points in the process with Arike Ogunbowale bouncing back following a mini shooting slump. She poured in 30 points last time out and should pick up where she left off here. Chicago does check in as one of the league's better defensive teams but the Wings are terrific offensively here at home, averaging just shy of 86 points per contest. In fact, Dallas home games have averaged 168 total points this season. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

We saw a relatively high-scoring affair between these two teams two days ago as New York did most of the scoring in a 101-78 rout. Here, I look for Atlanta to make the necessary defensive adjustments, noting that the Liberty had been held to 78 points or less in five consecutive games prior to that outburst.

Atlanta has now seen the 'over' cash in four straight games but I'm not sure that's a sustainable trend. The Dream recently welcomed back starting point guard Chennedy Carter but as we saw on Sunday, she can't do it all. Atlanta isn't an overly deep offensive team, especially with highly-touted rookie Aari McDonald struggling to find her groove at the professional level this season.

Interestingly, New York has been a better defensive team on the road than at home this season, allowing 85.9 points per game on 43.1% shooting. The Liberty average less than 80 points per game themselves away from home so again, a repeat of Sunday's 101-point effort is unlikely.

The 'over' has cashed in both meetings between these two teams this season. Last year, we saw the 'under' cash in both matchups, including one game that totaled just 118 points. Expect this one to stay 'under' the generous total. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Phoenix at 6 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'under' the last time these two teams met on June 18th but I believe the total will prove too low this time around, as the scene shifts to Phoenix for Sunday's matchup.

The Mercury have actually been idle since that last game in Los Angeles nine days ago. They're expected to have Diana Taurasi back for Sunday's game. While I would usually think it might be tough for a player to get re-acclimated after an extended absence, Taurasi is a veteran that has been through it before and the with the team having had plenty of practice time between games, I look for the Mercury offense to do just fine.

The Sparks are dealing with a cluster of key injuries right now but should still enter this game with confidence after scoring 89 points in a win over Washington last time out.

Los Angeles is allowing 80.8 points per game on the road this season but the Mercury haven't been any better defensively at home, giving up 81.7 points per game.

Note that the 'over' has gone 8-1 with the Sparks having lost four or five of their last six games ATS over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with those contests totaling an average of 168.9 points. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Dallas at 1 pm et on Saturday.

While this is an early Saturday start I'm not anticipating a sleepy affair between the Mystics and Wings.

We actually missed with the 'over' in Dallas' most recent game - a blowout victory over the lowly Fever two nights ago. Dallas certainly held up its end of the bargain in that one, scoring 89 points in a 25-point rout. However, the Fever proved inept offensively once again, scoring just 24 first half points and shooting 35% in the game.

Here, I look for the Mystics to do their part to help this one 'over' the total. Washington fell short in Los Angeles two nights ago but did manage to score more than 80 points for the fourth straight game. Despite coming off a loss, the Mystics should still bring plenty of confidence having won three of their last four games overall. Look for Ariel Atkins in particular to bounce back strong following a tough 3-of-14 shooting performance on Thursday.

The last time we saw the Wings play at home they scored 95 points in last Saturday's blowout win over the Lynx (we won with them on that night). I expect them to fill the boxscore again here, but I'm not counting on a lopsided result. That should lend itself to a relatively high-scoring affair in this matinee matchup. Take the over (10*).

WNBA Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Indiana at 7 pm et on Thursday.

We missed with Dallas two nights ago as it dropped a disappointing 80-70 decision at the hands of Connecticut after blowing a big second half lead. Here, I look for the Wings to pick up the pieces and turn in a stellar offensive performance but I'm not counting on their defensive play to excel against a desperate Indiana squad.

Dallas has shot 59-for-125 (47.2%) over its last two games and should feast in this bounce-back spot. Indiana actually turned in a terrific defensive effort last time out but still gave up 82 points in a losing effort despite holding Minnesota to a 37% shooting night. Keep in mind, prior to that game, the lowly Fever had allowed nine straight opponents to shoot 42.4% or better from the field with five of those opponents shooting 49.3% or better.

The Fever are now a miserable 1-14 on the season but will perhaps look at this as a prime opportunity to pick up a rare win after just missing against the Lynx on Tuesday. Dallas has now allowed three of its last four opponents to score 80 points or more. Opponents are averaging 83.3 points per game when the Wings play on the road this season.

The fact that the last five meetings in this series have all stayed 'under' the total and the Fever enter this one riding a three-game 'under' streak has actually set us up with a generously-low total. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

The 'over' has cashed in the first two meetings in this series this season but I look for a different story to unfold on Wednesday.

Both teams are coming off poor defensive efforts with the Lynx giving up 95 points on 50% shooting in a blowout loss in Dallas and Atlanta allowing 96 points on 49.3% shooting in a three-point loss in Washington. Keep in mind, prior to that, both teams had allowed sub-40% shooting in their previous contest.

Here, we find both teams playing on extended rest with the Lynx idle since Saturday and the Dream having not played since last Thursday.

Neither team has been consistent offensively, with Minnesota shooting 40.9% on the road and Atlanta shooting 40.8% at home. With this being the third meeting between these two teams this season, I believe that familiarity will lend itself to a relatively low-scoring affair on Wednesday night. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Friday.

We missed with the 'under' in this same matchup two nights ago but I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here. We're being given a more favorable number to work with and I look for both teams to make the necessary defensive adjustments to help keep this one 'under' the total.

The Sparks had no answers for Mercury star Brittney Griner on Wednesday as she shot 10-of-16 from the field and got to the free throw line 12 times on her way to a 30-point explosion. I fully expect to see the Sparks make some adjustments and do a better job of keeping her contained here. I also think we'll see things balance out a bit after the Mercury held a 28-6 free throw edge two nights ago.

Credit Los Angeles for prevailing in that contest thanks to shooting 45% from the field. Keep in mind, this is a team that had shot 36.8% or worse from the field in their previous three games. Phoenix will undoubtedly respond with a better defensive effort, noting that it had previously held six straight opponents to 42.7% or worse shooting.

The 'over' has now cashed in each of the Mercury's last two games. Note that they've yet to post three straight 'over' results this season. The last time they were in position to do so they totaled just 151 points in their next game. The Sparks on the other hand have yet to post consecutive 'over' results this season. Their two previous contests following an 'over' result totaled just 131 and 144 points. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Wednesday.

This total has dropped from its opener and it's the right move in my opinion.

Phoenix has now lost three games in a row but has scored over 80 points in four of its last six contests. The Mercury don't have much of a margin for error offensively, however, with Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins-Smith providing the bulk of their production. Few teams get less scoring off the bench. If there's a night where Diggins-Smith goes cold or Griner gets into foul trouble, the Mercury just aren't going to put up many points.

Los Angeles is in tough right now, missing a number of key players including the Ogwumike sisters and now Te'a Cooper as well due to a one-game suspension. The Sparks have been held to 71 points or less in three straight games, shooting no better than 36.8% from the field in any of those contests. If they're going to turn things around they'll need to step up their defensively play after allowing 80+ points in consecutive games. Note that in their last two home games (both victories) they allowed an identical 63 points and held the opposition to 34.3% and 33.9% shooting. Take the under (9*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Minnesota at 9 pm et on Tuesday.

The return of Candace Parker has been just the spark the Sky needed to get back on track following a seven-game losing streak, reeling off back-to-back wins over the Indiana Fever - scoring 92 and 83 points in the process. The 'over' has now cashed in each of their last two games after the 'under' had hit in four of their last five. I'm anticipating another relatively high-scoring affair here.

Minnesota has started rolling following a tough start to the season. The Lynx have won four of their last five games and enter Tuesday's contest having scored 80 points or more in four straight games. Like Chicago, Minnesota also dealt with injury issues earlier in the season The return of Napheesa Collier has certainly helped their cause in recent weeks. With that being said, Collier is coming off a 4-of-14 shooting effort in Saturday's win over the Sparks. Kayla McBride was also off the mark in that one, connecting on just 1-of-6 field goal attempts. Here, I look for both to bounce back and pace the Lynx offense.

The Lynx benefited greatly from catching the Sparks without the Ogwumike sisters on Saturday, holding Los Angeles to 64 points on 32.9% shooting in that blowout win (we won with the Lynx on that night). Here, I expect them to have their hands full against a rejuvenated Sky squad led by Candace Parker.

Both of last year's meetings between these two teams found their way 'over' the total. Expect a similar story to unfold on Tuesday. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the ‘over’ between Washington and Atlanta at 3:30 pm et on Sunday.

I’ll keep my analysis fairly brief as Sunday is a travel day. If you’ve followed my plays regularly you know that I’m fairly high on both of these teams right now, even with the Dream coming off consecutive lopsided losses at the hands of the defending champion Seattle Storm. Washington has gotten healthier and we’ve seen the duo of Myisha Hines-Allen and Ariel Atkins really take off. Atlanta is missing Chennedy Carter but the potential is there for the Dream offense to get going if Aari McDonald can round into form. With both teams eager to get rolling here and the Dream in particular looking to bounce back from consecutive subpar performances look for both to push the pace here. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Indiana and Chicago at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

We haven't played many 'unders' in WNBA action this season but I will on Wednesday night as the reeling Fever head to Chicago to take on the Sky. Indiana has been a complete disaster this season, winning just once in 10 games - that coming earlier in the campaign against a struggling Mystics squad. The Fever have now shot worse than 40% from the field in four straight games and don't figure to bust out against an improving Sky defense that has held five of their last six opponents to 42.9% shooting or worse. While Indiana has struggled defensively, it's certainly worth noting that it has faced a brutal schedule lately, with its last four games coming on the road against Las Vegas (twice), Seattle and Los Angeles. It catches a bit of a scheduling break here as the Sky have yet to get things sorted this season with key players in and out of the lineup. Chicago is expected to welcome Candace Parker to the floor for the first time this season on Wednesday but how much she'll contribute in her first game back remains to be seen. Chicago has proven to be one of the league's weakest offensive teams so far this season, shooting 41.2% or worse from the field in all nine games to date. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Washington at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

We've cashed with the 'over' in each of Minnesota's last two games. In fact, we've won in three straight Lynx games, also hitting with them in their overtime victory over Connecticut three games back. Here, I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the 'over' as the oddsmakers continue to have a tough time adjusting these WNBA totals. The Lynx have scored 186 points over their last two games and figure to stay hot against a vulnerable Washington defense that has allowed six straight opponents to shoot better than 43% from the field, giving up 86 points or more in four of those contests. The good news for Washington is that its offense has come around, scoring over 80 points in three straight games. The Mystics might just have something in Myisha Hines-Allen, who has poured in 58 points in her last three games, while recording a double-double in all three contests. Ariel Atkins has also stepped up in the absence of Elena Delle-Donne, contributing at least 30 minutes in three straight games while scoring 67 points over that stretch (note that she is questionable to play on Tuesday due to a back injury). Meanwhile, the Lynx are getting production from all over the court right now. They had five players score in double-figures last time out as they dropped 100 points on the Dream. Kayla McBride continues to get better acclimated with the offense with each passing game and comes off a season-high 19 points last time out. Napheesa Collier has provided a big boost as well since returning to the lineup, averaging over 16 points per game to go along with four assists per game. Note that Minnesota has allowed north of 80 points in both previous road games this season, allowing the opposition to shoot 46.8% from the field. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Atlanta and Minnesota at 7 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'over' in this matchup on Friday and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play in Sunday's rematch. I noted on Friday that Atlanta was waiting for highly-touted draft pick Aari McDonald to get going offensively and we finally saw it last time out as the shot 5-of-12 from the field and scored a career-high 15 points. Even with Chennedy Carter sidelined, the Dream still have plenty of scoring options and should find continued success offensively on Sunday. The Lynx got off to a slow start this season but have gotten back on track over their last couple of games and should certainly be encouraged by Friday's performance, in which Napheesa Collier poured in 26 points in just her third game back in the lineup. Kayla McBride also turned in one of her best performances of the young season, scoring 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. This has the makings of another relatively high-scoring affair. Take the over (10*).

WNBA Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Atlanta and Minnesota at 8 pm et on Friday.

Minnesota has yet to break 80 points in a game this season but I look for that streak to end on Friday night as the Lynx host the Atlanta Dream. It's really only a matter of time before this supremely-talented Lynx squad gets rolling offensively. Offseason acquisition Kayla McBride has yet to really emerge as the scoring threat she was in Las Vegas but it's coming. Note that she has still managed to score in double-figures in four of five games this season. Meanwhile, they welcomed back Napheesa Collier two games back and she's contributed 25 points to go along with eight assists since returning. Here, I expect the Lynx to take advantage of a below-average Dream defense. Atlanta checks in off three straight 'over' results even though the most recent was aided by overtime last Saturday in New York (we won with the Dream in that game). Atlanta's offense has slowly come around this season and while losing sharp-shooting guard Chennedy Carter to injury hurts, they are expected to welcome back big offseason acquisition Cheyenne Parker from Covid protocols on Friday. I also expect highly-touted draft pick Aari McDonald, who has struggled in the early stages of her WNBA career, to pick up some of the slack, likely receiving more playing time in Carter's absence. Note that three of the last five meetings in this series have gone 'over' the total, including the most recent matchup which reached 167 points on August 28th of last year. Take the over (10*).

WNBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Thursday.

I'm anticipating a relatively high-scoring affair between the Wings and Dream on Thursday night. Dallas has suffered back-to-back losses since opening the season with a blowout win over the Sparks in Los Angeles. The Wings offense continues to perform at a reasonably high level, however, scoring 94, 97 and 81 points through three games. Arike Ogunbowale is an underappreciated star in the making, having scored 52 points over the last two games. Marina Mabrey has also stepped up over the last two games, pouring in 48 points. Here, the Wings should be able to get rolling once again versus a middle of the pack Atlanta defense. While the Dream check in eighth in offensive rating that's largely due to a slow start to the season. They're coming off back-to-back victories, scoring 83 and 90 points in the process. The return of Tiffany Hayes has sparked the charge and she's coming off a 26-point effort in a win over Chicago. I'm still waiting for the backcourt tandem of Chennedy Carter and rookie Aari McDonald to go off. McDonald is coming off her best performance of the young season having scored nine points in 17 minutes against Chicago. Dallas ranks in the bottom half of the WNBA in terms of defensive rating and I expect the Dream to take advantage and push the pace here. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Atlanta and Indiana at 7 pm et on Friday.

We won with the 'over' in the Dream's last game - an 85-77 loss to the Sky. Here, I'll go back to the well with the same play as Atlanta hits the road to face winless Indiana. Note that the 'over' has gone a perfect 6-0 with the Fever coming off a loss by 15 points or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 181.4 points. While the Dream did make positive strides offensively in their last game, scoring 77 points in a losing effort, there's still plenty of room for improvement. Chennedy Carter has been terrific but Atlanta is still waiting for highly-touted draft pick Aari McDonald to come alive. She's been held to a single point in her first two WNBA games but I do expect her to figure it out sooner rather than later. Note that Indiana checks in 10th in the WNBA in defensive rating this season, which should open up some opportunities for the Dream here. On the flip side, I expect Indiana to afford itself plenty of second chance looks here, ranking third in the league in rebounding percentage compared to the Dream's 11th. Last year's two meetings between these teams produced 170 and 192 points. Expect more of the same here. Take the over (10*).