The WNBA is back in full swing with three contests across the association today. Things get started at 8 p.m. EST, with Phoenix in Chicago, and Washington in Minnesota. The evening wraps up at 9 p.m. in Los Angeles, where the Sparks take on the New York Liberty.
Without any further preamble, let’s jump right into some of our favorite selections for August 15.
Here are our top WNBA prop bet picks for Thursday’s contests.
- Consensus WNBA Odds
- WNBA Matchups
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Thursday’s Best WNBA Player Prop Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Natasha Cloud Over 11.5 Points (-115)
Prior to the Olympic break, Natasha Cloud took a gigantic step forward in the scoring department. The last 10 games were especially productive; in which she scored double-digit points in all of the contests with an average of 14.0.
In the month of July, Cloud experienced a usage jump of 3.5%, going from 17.5 to 21.3. The Phoenix guard scored 31% of points via three-pointers, and 24.9 from the free-throw line for the month.
Chicago is allowing over 15 free-throws made per game, 14.7 points allowed off turnovers, and 11.3 points off of fast-break scoring. The Sky are also conceding over 80 points per game to opponents, so there should be more than enough opportunity for Cloud to exceed 11.5 points.
Brittney Griner Over 6.5 Rebounds (-125)
Staying within the same team, 6.5 rebounds comes across as an extremely low number considering the two teams combine for 43% shooting from the field.
Britney Griner isn’t the rebounding force you’d expect from someone who is 6’9, posting an average of only 6.4 boards per game. However, the expectation of over 30 minutes of playing time in a contest that should feature a ton of rebounds, gives us high hopes to clear the suggested threshold.
Griner has exceeded 6.5 rebounds in 7-of-10 previous games; 8-of-11 if you factor in the All-Star Game. This includes a contest against the Indiana Fever where injury caused the Phoenix center to only be available for 11 minutes.
Chicago is giving up over 34 rebounds per game, including 7.9 of the offensive variety. With Rebecca Allen set to miss this contest, Griner stands to be one of the only starting rebounding options for Phoenix.
Napheesa Collier Under 19.5 Points (-105)
This selection is predicated more on the possibility that Napheesa Collier will not see her usual allotment of time on the court in her first WNBA game back from injury.
The Minnesota forward was able to compete in the Olympics, averaging 23.3 minutes per game. Granted, the Olympic team was stacked with talent, the time on the floor does not reflect that of someone who will be pushed to play over 30 minutes tonight.
Washington isn’t the most formidable opponent, as suggested by the eight-point spread. The return of Shakira Austin and Brittany Sykes should give the Mystics a boost. However, it’s unclear if they will experience any limitations in playing time as well.
Taking the lower end on such a prolific scorer who leads the team in points is certainly a risk. However, the opponent and possible playing time restrictions following injury make this selection much more palatable.
Jonquel Jones Over 15.5 Points (-105)
Jonquel Jones gets a fantastic matchup against a Los Angeles Sparks team that on paper may not have an answer for the veteran All-Star.
The Sparks allow over 85 points each contest on 45.9 shooting from the field; including 10.8 on second-chance scoring alone. Los Angeles also owns the third-worst defensive rating in the league, they give up over 36 points in the paint, and the opposition is connecting on 8.3 three-pointers each contest.
In not so many words, the opponent tonight doesn’t present the biggest threat on defense, by any means.
Rickea Jackson Over 11.5 Points (-130)
The Sparks will be without Stephanie Talbot and Aari McDonald for this contest against the Liberty. In lieu of this, Rickea Jackson should be the beneficiary of more playing time, as well as opportunities to score.
Before the break, Jackson passed 11.5 points in 6-of-7 games with an average of 15.2. The Los Angeles rookie scored no fewer than 12 points at home over that span. What’s more enticing about this selection is the bump in field-goal attempts in the last 7 contests. The Sparks forward only attempted less than 10 field goals in one game.
The opponent could be better, as the Liberty are one of the top defensive teams in the WNBA. Having said that, New York will be missing the services of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Jackson should see less pressure and hopefully, that translates into a few extra baskets.
Enjoy the games today, and good luck with your picks!
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