WNBA Tuesday Best Bets: Three Picks to Target Aug. 25th

I know we are all excited about the return of—you know—this Saturday. But there is plenty to be excited about right now in the WNBA, like tonight’s triple-header (and my best bets list): Chicago vs. Connecticut, Portland vs. Dallas, and Washington vs. Phoenix.

Here are my WNBA Best Bets for Tuesday, August 25:

Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun

This will be the fourth matchup this season for the Sky and Sun. Chicago won two, both at home (June 5 and July 2), but was crushed by the Sun on the road, 92-63 (June 22). Could we see a repeat performance? You can never say never, but—I doubt it.

Chicago has won three of its last five while Connecticut went 1-4 in its last five. The Sky averaged just 81.8 ppg in that stretch, but the Sun averaged just 75. Both allowed around 90 ppg in that stretch. With Britney Griner and Leila Lacan out for the Sun (Olivia Nelson-Ododa is a GTD), chances are good Connecticut’s offense will struggle more than usual.

My Pick: Chicago -5.5 at -110 (DraftKings)

If the Sun were at full strength, I’d expect this to be a competitive game, but down two of its best players, not so much. As long as Chicago makes its shots, the Sky should easily cover this spread.

Portland Fire vs. Dallas Wings

Dallas enters this game 3-2 in its last five games and on a two-game winning streak, with victories over Seattle (92-70) and Indiana (91-85). Portland went 2-3 in its last five with losses in its last two games, 105-100 to Washington and 82-79 to Toronto. From a statistical perspective, they’ve performed similarly on the offensive end over the last five games, with Dallas averaging 86.8 ppg and Portland 86.4.

But Dallas has played better defense (85.6 ppg allowed to 93.1 ppg allowed for the Fire).

My Pick: Dallas -8.5 at -108

With a chance to clinch a playoff spot on the line against a team it should beat at home, Dallas will put on a show for its hometown fans. The first two meetings were close, competitive games, but this one will not be as the Wings cover.

Washington Mystics vs. Phoenix Mercury

Washington’s recent defense made the Under look like the best bet, but I didn’t expect the Mystics to be only 2.5-point favorites. Their defense slipped last game, but the offense carried them to a 105-100 win over Portland. Phoenix, however, has lost four of its last five games, including a 95-75 beatdown at the hands of the Mystics on the road.

It’s fair to expect them to be more competitive at home, but with Washington in the hunt for a better playoff seed…

My pick: Mystics -2.5 at -105 (DraftKings)

The under is probably still a good bet, but the spread has a better price (under 166.6 at -108) so I’m calling Washington to cover the best bet for this game.