The Women’s National Basketball Association is also taking place in a “bubble” setting, with all of the teams ensconced at the IMG Academy, in Bradenton, Florida. Each team will take part in 22 regular-season games as well as a traditional playoff bracket for those who qualify. The twelve WNBA teams all trained at IMG Academy, which also provided housing for the players. The regular season got underway this past weekend, and each of the league’s twelve teams has now played at least one game. We have picked four of the WNBA betting matchups for the coming week for your sports betting consideration.
WNBA News: Top Games of the Week
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever
Time: 7:00 pm ET
When: Wednesday, July 29
Where: WNBA Court 1 Bradenton, FL
Phoenix still has the duo of Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, and the difference this year is that they don’t have to come right in from the grind of a season in Russia and then play WNBA games. Thanks to the pandemic, Griner and Taurasi have gotten plenty of rest and should be ready to go. The fact that this season does not involve any travel should make things even easier for Taurasi. The Mercury also added Skylar Diggins-Smith.
The Indiana Fever are still one of the youngest teams in the WNBA, with Candice Dupree providing the only veteran leadership. There is a high ceiling with this team, but it is hard to develop youth into a cohesive team in just 22 games. This may be the equivalent of an extended training camp for the youthful squad.
Prediction:
Phoenix defeats Indiana | Check the Odds
New York Liberty vs Dallas Wings
Time: 8:00 pm ET
When: Wednesday, July 29
Where: WNBA Court 2 Bradenton, FL
The New York Liberty fan base is fired up after the team landed Oregon standout Sabrina Ionescu in the draft. However, they are another very young team that will likely have to focus more on development than on tangible results in this 22-game campaign. The 2020-21 season should be promising, though.
The Dallas Wings went through the embarrassment of having to deal Liz Cambage to Las Vegas, leaving them with a talent base that began and ended with Arike Ogunbowale in 2019. The team picked up three solid rookies in the first round of the draft: Satou Sabally, Bella Alarie and Tyasha Harris. The Wings have a ton of youth as well, making this a likely battle between two of next year’s contenders.
Prediction:
New York defeats Dallas | Check the Odds
Seattle Storm vs Washington Mystics
Time: 6:00 pm ET
When: Thursday, July 30
Where: WNBA Court 1 Bradenton, FL
Seattle comes back prepared to fight for another WNBA title. Breanna Stewart has recovered from her injuries and is ready to take charge. Jordin Canada, Natasha Howard, Jewell Loyd and Sue Bird have all opted in and give the Storm the most talented roster in the league.
Washington comes into this season as the defending champion, but no team has lost a greater amount of talent to opting out for the season due to COVID-19 concerns. Last year’s MVP, Elena Delle Donne, LaToya Sanders and Natasha Cloud all started last year — and all will be absent from the bubble in Bradenton. They do have some shooters and a savvy head coach in Mike Thibault, but I’m not sure that’s enough to overcome the talent gap.
Prediction:
Seattle defeats Washington
Connecticut Sun vs L.A. Sparks
Time: 10:00 pm ET
When: Thursday, July 30
Where: WNBA Court 1 Bradenton, FL
The Sun went all the way to the WNBA Finals last year. In the off-season, they lost Courtney Williams but acquired DeWanna Bonner, and Alyssa Thomas remains a key contributor. Jonquel Jones has opted out, which will leave a big hole in the paint. Can Bonner fill in the gap?
The Sparks come in with a veteran-heavy roster that has experience playing to a championship. The lack of travel will benefit the veterans, who will be fresher getting to play all their games in one place.
Prediction:
Los Angeles defeats Connecticut | Check the Odds
