Can Struggling Dream Navigate Sun Without Howard?
Connecticut Sizable Favorite in Dream vs Sun WNBA Betting Odds
The Atlanta Dream’s stock is down following an injury to 2022 No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard. They limp into Friday’s game (7:30 p.m. ET) against the Connecticut Sun on a three-game losing streak.
WNBA point spreads have Connecticut as an 8-point favorite and -375 on the moneyline, with Atlanta +295 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is 153.
What should bettors expect? Read on as we break down both teams and assess the Dream vs Sun WNBA betting odds in our game preview.
Atlanta Dream vs Connecticut Sun
Day/Time:
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
Streaming: ION
Dream vs Sun Betting Trends
The Atlanta Dream are 5-10 against the spread, including 3-3 away from home. As for the Over/Under, Atlanta is 7-8.
The Connecticut Sun, meanwhile, are 7-10 ATS. That includes 4-5 at home. They’ve performed only slightly for Over/Under bettors, going 8-9.
Be sure to keep that in mind when making your WNBA predictions.
‘Dream’ing About Better Days
Atlanta has hit the skids, losing seven of its last nine games to fall a season-worst three games under .500. Making matters worse, the Dream must navigate the next few weeks without their top scorer, Howard. Howard, a two-time All-Star, injured her left ankle June 19 against Minnesota.
Howard was averaging a team-high 15.4 points along with 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 steals.
Veteran Tina Charles has stepped up in Howard’s absence, contributing 24 and 19 points, respectively, in losses to Indiana and New York. But nobody can replace the all-around production of Howard, the former No. 1 overall pick.
They’ve been outscored by an average of 12.0 points during their three-game losing streak. They failed to cover in each of those contests and are just 1-5 ATS over their last six games. Keep that in mind when analyzing the Dream vs Sun WNBA betting odds.
Despite those struggles, oddsmakers remain confident about the Dream’s playoff chances. They are -120 to qualify, which is on par with both Chicago (-110) and Indiana (-200).
Sun Still Peaking
Year-in, year-out, the Sun are among the top contenders in the WNBA. This season is no different.
After Thursday’s 94-91 overtime win over Washington, Connecticut owns the second-best record in the league at 14-3. DeWanna Bonner had 24 points and 10 rebounds, while DiJonai Carrington scored 10 of her 22 points in overtime. The victory ended a two-game slide.
The Sun, on the heels of five straight WNBA semifinals appearances, have seen their title odds climb to +750 over the last few weeks. Those are the third-best odds on the board behind two-time defending champion Las Vegas (+155) and New York (+180).
Connecticut’s fortunes rest largely on its Big Three of Bonner, Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones. They have combined for 52.5% of the team’s scoring. That figure might even be higher if Jones, who tore her Achilles last June, didn’t start the season on a minutes restriction.
Jones, a two-time All-Star and former WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, played 32 minutes Thursday. It was her second-biggest workload this season and only her fourth time playing at least 30 minutes. She is averaging 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals, looking closer to her pre-injury form. Look for Connecticut to manage her carefully on this back-to-back.
The Sun are now relatively healthy besides guard Moriah Jefferson, who is out indefinitely following ankle surgery. The Sun are off from July 16 to Aug. 16 for the Summer Olympics, meaning Jefferson might not return until after the break.
Handicapping the Game
This is the second of four regular-season meetings between the teams. Connecticut won 69-50 in Atlanta on June 2, holding the Dream to a season-low in scoring.
Bonner had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Thomas added eight points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to narrowly miss a triple-double.
Despite their success, the Sun have been difficult to trust from a betting perspective. They are 7-10 ATS, including just 1-4 over their last five games.
They should have a sizable edge at home, where they’re 8-1. Their only loss came June 8 against New York. They’re an obvious favorite in the Dream vs Sun WNBA betting odds.
For WNBA scores and odds, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
