Sky, Sparks Ride Similar Trajectories into Matchup
Sparks vs Sky Prediction Sees Value in Over
Seeking their first win at home, the Chicago Sky host the Los Angeles Sparks Thursday (8 p.m. ET) at Wintrust Arena.
Chicago is a 4-point favorite (-112) and -185 on the moneyline, with Los Angeles +154 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is 161.5.
Who has the edge? Before making your Sparks vs Sky prediction, read our WNBA game preview.
Los Angeles Sparks vs Chicago Sky
Day/Time:
Location: Wintrust Arena; Chicago
Sparks vs Sky Betting Trends
The Los Angeles Sparks are 2-3-1 against the spread. They have been slightly more profitable for Over/Under bettors, going 4-2.
The Chicago Sky, meanwhile, are 3-2 ATS, matching their record against the Over/Under.
That’s important to remember before making your Sparks vs Sky prediction.
Expert Pick: Subscribe below to get our Premium Insights!
Expert Pick: Subscribe below to get our Premium Insights!Brink Offers Promise for LA
Expectations for Los Angeles couldn’t be much lower. After missing the playoffs for a third straight season, the Sparks are projected to win a league-low 9.5 WNBA games.
Early returns are mixed, with the Sparks starting 2-4. They’re coming off a 88-82 win over Indiana on Tuesday in which they overcame 30 points by Caitlin Clark.
Nneka Ogwumike’s departure in free agency was a big blow, as the Sparks lost the face of their franchise. But some of the sting was offset by the Sparks landing the No. 2 pick in the lottery, which they used to draft Stanford star Cameron Brink.
The 6-foot-4 Brink has made a quick impact, averaging 9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. While Clark has popularly been tabbed the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, Brink could make the race a lot more interesting by building on her impressive start. Where Brink — who currently owns the second-best Rookie of the Year odds at +700 — has a chance to differentiate herself is on the defensive end. She shined in that area in college, winning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. She was also a three-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Dearica Hamby has played well alongside her, averaging a team-high 20 points and 12.7 rebounds. She has already posted five double-doubles, including a 17-point, 10-rebound performance against the Fever.
The Sky is Bright
The Sky finished under .500 last season but loaded up in the draft with Kamilla Cardoso (No. 3 pick) and Angel Reese (No. 7). They’re off to a so-so start under first-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon, having lost two straight games to fall to 2-3.
Cardoso has not played since injuring her shoulder in the preseason. The former South Carolina star contributed six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes prior to getting hurt. Originally estimated to miss four to six weeks on the WNBA schedule, Cardoso is “pain free” and on track to return this week, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Reese, meanwhile, has shown promise. The 6-foot-3 Reese is averaging 12.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals, building on her strong play at LSU. She notched her first double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds) in Tuesday’s 77-68 loss to Seattle.
Projected for 12.5 wins, the Sky are viewed as unlikely to make the playoffs. They’re +150 to qualify, which they’ve done five straight seasons.
Marina Mabrey (16.8 PPG) is Chicago’s top scorer, in addition to one of its most veteran presences. The 27-year-old Mabrey is shooting 40.5% from the field, including 35.1% from 3-point range.
Handicapping the Game
Both Los Angeles and Chicago are on similar trajectories, building around promising rookies in their quest to return to the postseason. Expectations are low, with the teams priced +13000 and +6000, respectively, to win the title.
At the very least, that should make for a competitive matchup. The oddsmakers seem to agree, tabbing the Sky as 4-point favorites.
Chicago is winless at Wintrust Arena, dropping its first two games of this three-game homestand to Connecticut and Seattle. But this is a good opportunity to end those woes, with Los Angeles coming in at 2-4.
Keep that in mind when making your Sparks vs Sky prediction.
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