We enter the final week of the WNBA regular season, with three games on the board Tuesday. We break down the WNBA odds and give our best picks and predictions in our daily “Lady Luck”.
WASHINGTON MYSTICS AT NEW YORK LIBERTY (+15.5, 171.5)
We all know the Mystics are good, but Washington has been downright dominant in the opening 10 minutes of its past three games. The Mystics have won three in a row, scoring totals of 33, 33, and 31 in the first quarter – the latter of which coming against Tuesday’s opponent, New York, on August 25.
The Mystics average just under 25 points per opening frame on the season but have erupted out of the gates in recent outings, shooting better than 64 percent from the field in those games, including a 65-percent clip from beyond the arc.
New York, which has lost four straight and 12 of its last 13 outings, is allowing 27.5 points per first quarter during its recent skid, watching opponents fire at 57 percent from the floor and 68.4 percent from the perimeter.
The Mystics, who are still pushing for the No. 1 overall seed before the postseason begins, are playing a larger lineup due to injuries and that’s allowed them to pack the paint and find extra space on the outside. We see another fast start for the red-hot Mystics.
PREDICTION: Washington first-quarter team total Over 24
SEATTLE STORM AT PHOENIX MERCURY (-5.5, 151.5)
The Storm and Mercury have punched their playoff tickets but where they sit is not yet determined. Seattle currently sits in the No. 7 spot with the Mercury behind them in the final No. 8 slot, with Phoenix just one game back.
That heated position battle should lead to a playoff-like atmosphere when Phoenix hosts Seattle tonight. That will be especially true in the opening 20 minutes of action, with the Mercury and Storm ranked second and third in points allowed per first half, allowing averages of 38 and 38.3 points respectively.
These two Western Conference rivals have played twice already this season, with both games coming back in the spring. They combined for first-half totals of 64 and 67 points in those matchups and should keep the scoreboard stagnant again in the first 20 minutes of action Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Under first half 76
Sunday’s picks: 0-2
Season to date: 67-48-1
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