It’s a battle of WNBA basement dwellers in D.C. when the Los Angeles Sparks take on the Washington Mystics on Friday night.
Both sides have also been bitten hard by the injury bug this season, most recently the Sparks, who are missing multiple starters in the second half of the schedule. That’s a big reason why the Mystics are favorites for just the second time all season.
Find out why my Sparks vs. Mystics predictions are zeroing in on Dearica Hamby's rebounding prop in our WNBA picks for August 23.
Sparks vs Mystics predictions
My best bet
Dearica Hamby Over 9.5 rebounds (+100 at BetRivers)
My analysis
Dearica Hamby is having trouble finding her form after the Olympic break, stumbling out of the blocks in the second half of the season.
The Los Angeles Sparks forward is averaging less than 11 points over the last four games despite a season-long clip of 18 points an outing. Hamby has blown off this slump as just a “few off games”, but while her scoring touch is missing, her nose for the ball isn’t.
The Sparks’ 6-foot-3 forward has still been big on the boards, bringing down nine, 10, 11, and 13 rebounds in those four contests. She’ll have a chance to dominate the glass again tonight versus a shorthanded Washington Mystics team that could be down starting center Shakira Austin, who’s questionable due to illness.
Player projections for Hamby call for as many as 10.5 rebounds before making any adjustments for Washington’s missing pieces. The Mystics allow the fifth most rebounds per game to opponents, and Hamby has already had efforts of 11 and 18 boards against L.A. earlier this season.
Her rebounding prop is at 9.5 Over/Under, with the price on the Over spiking due to action. However, you can still find EVEN money being offered on Over 9.5 rebounds as of 11 a.m. ET on Friday morning.
Sparks vs Mystics same-game parlay (SGP)
Dearica Hamby Over 9.5 rebounds
Stefanie Dolson Over 9.5 points
Under 162.5
Hamby continues to control the glass and may have the paint all to herself tonight, with Austin coming down with an illness.
Stefanie Dolson steps into more touches if Austin is out. Her projections were flirting with 10 points before Austin’s status was downgraded to questionable, and she’s also a threat from outside.
Los Angeles is missing a ton of talent, especially in the backcourt, so the offense will be all over the place. Washington isn’t packing much of punch either, as these teams ranked 10th and 11th in offensive rating.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Sparks vs Mystics odds
Sparks vs Mystics live odds
Get the latest Sparks vs Mystics WNBA odds for tonight.
Sparks vs Mystics opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles +3.5 (-110) | Washington -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +140 | Washington -165
- Over/Under: Over 161.5 (-110) | Under 161.5 (-110)
Sparks vs Mystics spread and Over/Under analysis
• Bookies opened Washington as a 3.5-point home favorite, which is just the second time all season the Mystics have been laying points.
• That spread jumped to as high as -6 with L.A. again missing key players, but sunk to -4.5 when Austin was listed as questionable with an illness Friday morning.
• The Over/Under total hit the board at 161.5 points and climbed to 164 O/U before slimming to 162.5 points after Austin’s status update.
Sparks vs Mystics trend
Los Angeles has gone 0-3-1 O/U in its last four games since returning from the Olympic break. Find more WNBA betting trends for Sparks vs. Mystics.
Sparks vs Mystics game info
| Location: | Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC |
| Date: | Friday, 8-23-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ION |
Sparks vs Mystics latest injuries
Sparks: Layshia Clarendon G (Questionable), Aari McDonald G (Questionable), Lexie Brown G (Out), Cameron Brink C (Out).
Mystics: Shakira Austin C (Questionable), Karlie Samuelson G (Out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
