Now something we all will be glued to our screens and watching on a Sunday afternoon, the WNBA All-Star Game! In reality, this is in Chicago, I live in Chicago, I have an 8-year--old daughter that enjoys basketball, so I got tickets and we are attending. Family time is usually enough for me, but I have some strong feelings about this game, so naturally, I'm looking to bet on it and share some of that love with you.
Team Wilson to win +104 (FanDuel)
Here's the situation, Candace Parker is a Chicago native, and she is a starter for Team Wison. Courtney Vandersloot also plays for the Sky and is on Team Wilson. I don't know if there is an MVP bet available, but I'd put it on Parker to win it. I expect her to try and put on a show for the hometown crowd today. That's just a small reason, but here are some others:
Believe it or not, I actually do watch some WNBA games. I have a half-season of tickets, again, it is nice time with my kid, so I've seen most of the players in this game already. A'ja Wilson is one of the best players I've seen this season. She should be and is the favorite for WNBA MVP (I wouldn't bet on it, there isn't much value).
Looking at just the starters, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart already play together and should be feared by any opposing team. But, I think Team Wilson has better players after those two, and let's face it Wilson and Parker probably cancel out Bird and Stewart.
Kelsey Plum is a walking bucket for Wilson's team and she is fast as hell. Plus, the two play with each other so there is comfort there, just like with Bird and Stewart. She also leads the WNBA in 3-pointers made this season. There is also a 4-point shot in this game, so I could see her pull up from there.
Sabrina Ionescu might hit multiple 4-point shots. This girl has some range and is a solid shooter. I wouldn't be surprised if she drops in a few long-distance shots today. She is 5th in the league for 3's made on the year. Her and Plum could be devastating.
That's just the starters. As far as bench players, I would also take the reserves on Wilson's team over Stewart's team, but it is close. Kahleah Copper, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Arike Ogunbowale are very good players, and could surpass the production from Stewart's team, but even if the bench makes a run, Wilson's bench should be good enough to keep it so the starters can finish it off for them.
Again, this is an All-Star game, none of these players suck. If it is anything like the NBA game, it will be face-paced and defense will be optional. My official play is for Team Wilson to win the game.
Under 266.5 (FanDuel)
When I started writing this, the line was a full point higher, it dropped in 15 minutes. I initially had a bit of concern about one specific area - if fouls are called, there are no free throws until the last two minutes of the game. So if someone goes for a layup and is hit, they get two points automatically. If they make the layup, it is an automatic And-1. I have my doubts about how many 4-pt shots will be made, but I think many will be attempted. Not that they can't hit them, but I just think it will cause people to have fun and jack them up. I'll take the under on the game, no WNBA All-Star Game has gone over 255.
Good luck!
- David
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