Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky Prediction, Picks, and Odds: Chi Doesn't Shy Away

The Chicago Sky will look to continue their undefeated start to the season as they host the Washington Mystics on Friday night.

Washington (1-2) has lost two straight games to the Connecticut Sun after upending both the WNBA odds and the New York Liberty to start the season. Chicago (2-0) has started the season with consecutive victories over the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury.

The Sky are finding success despite losing several key pieces from the 2022 team that finished tied for the best record in the WNBA. We’ll discuss whether this early streak will continue in our free WNBA picks and predictions for Mystics vs. Sky on May 26. 

Mystics vs Sky best odds

Mystics vs Sky picks and predictions

Chicago won its first title in franchise history in 2021, then followed that up with a run to the semifinals last season. However, expectations were low heading into 2023, as they lost stars Emma Meesseman, Candace Parker, and Courtney Vandersloot. Guard Allie Quigley also left the team, meaning four of the five starters from last year’s squad are gone.

In their absence, guard Kahleah Copper has stepped up to lead the Sky this season. Over their first two games, Copper is averaging 17.5 points and six rebounds per game. It’s still early days, but if Copper and center Elizabeth Williams can continue their strong play, then the Sky may prove to be a solid playoff contender yet again.

The real question is whether the Sky have the talent to hang with the top teams in the WNBA. That, of course, means the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty, who are expected to duel for the league championship this year. But it also includes the Mystics, who possess a talented roster led by one of the best players in the world in Elena Delle Donne.

The 33-year-old Delle Donne is putting up numbers in line with her peak years so far in 2023. Over Washington’s first three games, she’s averaging 19.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 57.1% from beyond the arc. Equally capable of dominating games with her shooting or going into the post, Delle Donne is a headache for any opponent.

But Washington is far more than one player. The Mystics have four starters returning from last year, including Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins. Shakira Austin is building on a solid rookie campaign, putting up 13.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game at center so far this year. 

There are questions to be answered after two straight losses to the Sun. Perhaps it’s just growing pains under new head coach Eric Thibault. Maybe Delle Donne needs to worry less about the calls she’s getting from refs, which cost her an undisclosed fine after Sunday’s loss. Washington will figure it out, but it’s unclear when that will happen.

That leads us into tonight’s game. The Sky have shown that they can compete, and they have home-court advantage tonight. The Mystics have questions to answer after two straight losses, even if the win over the Liberty showed what they are capable of.

Yet the Mystics are coming into this game as the favorites. In fact, sportsbooks have Washington as about a five-point pick tonight, despite the mini-losing streak and the way the Sky have started the season. 

While we could take Chicago and the points, I think this is a game they could well win at home. With generous numbers available on the moneyline, that’s where I’m placing my bet tonight.

My best bet: Sky moneyline (+175)

Mystics vs Sky spread and Over/Under analysis

The Mystics opened today’s game as a four-point favorite. As of noon ET Friday, the consensus spread had moved to Washington -5, though with a lot of variance at different books. It’s possible to get the Mystics -4.5 at -110 odds, or take Chicago +5.5 at -113.

The Sky have easily covered in their first two victories after coming in as underdogs in both contests. The Mystics are 1-2 against the spread, winning outright as an underdog against the Liberty before losing after being favored in both contests against the Sun.

I’ve already outlined why I’m taking Chicago on the moneyline. Taking the Sky on the spread is a good pick too, as this should be a tight game either way. If you find the moneyline a bit too daring, Chicago +5.5 is a solid and safer option. 

The total for tonight’s game opened at 158.5 games, and the Over/Under still sits at that same number at most sites. By shopping around, we can get Over 157.5 at -110, or Under 159.5 at those same odds. 

Chicago has played particularly slowly this year, and through two games, it is playing to an average total of just 143.5 points per game. Washington has been closer to tonight’s total, but is still only playing to 155.6 points. With neither team playing at a fast pace this season, I’m leaning towards the Under, though it’s too early in the season to feel highly confident about how these squads will ultimately play in 2023.

Mystics vs Sky betting trend to know

The Sky are 4-0 against the spread in their last four meetings with the Mystics. Find more WNBA betting trends for Mystics vs. Sky.

Mystics vs Sky game info

Mystics vs Sky key injuries

Mystics: Myshia Hines-Allen F (Out).
Sky: Sika Kone C (Out), Isabelle Harrison F (Out), Ruthy Hebard F (Out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.

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