Sparks Visit Storm Seeking Another Upset
Value Lies in Double-Digit Spread in Sparks vs Storm Preview
Looking to build off their strong start, the Seattle Storm have an opportunity to add another victory to their ledger when they host the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday (10 p.m.). This is the first of four meetings this season between the Western Conference rivals.
WNBA odds have Seattle as an 11-point favorite and -625 on the moneyline, with Los Angeles +455 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is 158.5 with a slight lean to the Over at -112.
Who has the edge? Read on as we break down both squads in our Sparks vs Storm preview.
Los Angeles Sparks vs Seattle Storm
Day/Time:
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Sparks vs Storm Betting Trends
The Los Angeles Sparks are 4-6-1 against the spread, including 3-5-1 over their last nine games. As for the Over/Under, Los Angeles is 5-6.
The Seattle Storm, meanwhile, are 7-4 ATS, including 5-1 over their last six games. Seattle has been a much bigger liability for Over/Under bettors, going just 4-7.
Keep that in mind when analyzing the betting odds in our Sparks vs Storm preview.
Searching for a Spark
Los Angeles has begun to turn the corner after a slow start, stringing together back-to-back wins over Dallas and Las Vegas to move to 4-7. The Sparks were 10.5-point underdogs against the two-time defending WNBA champions, but wound up winning 96-92 thanks to 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists from Dearica Hamby.
Expectations were exceedingly low, with the Sparks projected for an WNBA-low 11.5 wins. However, they’re starting to trend in the right direction thanks to the veteran presence of Hamby and immediate contributions from No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink.
Hamby leads the Sparks in points (20.4), rebounds (11.5), assists (3.6) and steals (1.7), while Brink is third in the league in blocks (2.8). The 6-foot-4 Brink remains in the conversation for Rookie of the Year, as her odds have climbed from +1000 to +650 since the start of the season.
If Brink can improve her scoring (8.2) and turnover rate (2.4), she will presumably keep pressure on Clark, a presumptive -650 favorite.
Despite signs of optimism, the Sparks are still +600 longshots to make the playoffs.
Storming Ahead of the Pack
With its 7-4 start, Seattle has separated itself among the WNBA’s contenders. The Storm had won six straight prior to Sunday’s 83-64 loss to Minnesota.
The Storm reloaded in the offseason, signing perennial All-Stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith to play alongside reigning scoring champion Jewell Loyd. That translated to big expectations, with the Storm projected for 24.5 wins (third-most in the WNBA behind Las Vegas’ 32.5 and New York’s 30.5).
Seattle is now +1700 to win the title, one of five teams with better than 20/1 odds.
The Storm’s Big Three has performed as advertised, combining for 63.8% of the team’s scoring. One of the three has been Seattle’s top scorer in 10 of the first 11 games.
Bettors have reaped the benefits of the Storm’s hot start, watching them cover in five of the last six games. The Storm are 7-4 ATS, including 5-3 when favored. At the same time, they’ve gone Under the total in three straight games and four of the last five. Be sure to remember that when analyzing the odds in our Sparks vs Storm preview.
Handicapping the Game
This is somewhat uncharted territory for Seattle, being its first time this season on the WNBA schedule as a double-digit favorite. The Storm have been greater than a 5.0-point favorite four times and are 2-2 ATS in those contests.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, has twice been a double-digit underdog. It covered in both those instances, losing 89-82 to Las Vegas (+18) on May 18 and responding with a 96-92 victory over the Aces (+10.5) on June 9.
Both teams are mostly healthy, aside from Sparks forward Azura Stevens, who is questionable to play Tuesday with an arm injury.
Seattle’s defense could play a huge role. Per Seattle defensive stats, the Storm lead the WNBA in rebounding (38.1) and blocks (6.1) and rank second in steals (9.8).
For WNBA betting news, odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
