WNBA Playoffs are finally here and we have two great games tonight to get the postseason started! Dallas is headed to Chicago as New York meets Phoenix out West in win-or-go-home contests. Here are our best bets and what to look for.
(7) Dallas Wings at (6) Chicago Sky prediction: Wings +5.5 (-118)
The Dallas Wings hold the advantage from the regular season series, going 2-1 against the Chicago Sky. What makes Dallas so tough is they are young, gritty, and not scared of anyone. Look at Sunday’s game against Los Angeles when it was a win-and-in situation for the Sparks. Dallas had already clinched the 7th seed at that point, but still played to win – and did.
Arike Ogunbowale is made for one-and-done games (hello, Notre Dame) and loves leading this exciting, yet unpredictable team. The Wings are in the playoffs for the first time since 2018 and really have nothing to lose. Dallas plays with a bunch of swagger, from starters to bench players, where the Wings lead the league in bench production at 29.4 points per game. The one downside to this Dallas Wings team is lack of playoff experience. The Wings’ roster has played in a combined 10 playoffs games compared to Candace Parker, who alone has played in 48. There’s no denying playoff experience is huge in the postseason, but these are single elimination games. All it takes is one bad game and you’re out – and the Chicago Sky have been the most inconsistent team this year.
(8) New York Liberty at (5) Phoenix Mercury prediction: Mercury -9.5 (-110)
Biggest question surrounding tonight’s game – will Diana Taurasi play? She has missed more games this season than has played in, but is definitely an X factor as she is Phoenix’s main facilitator. Regardless if she does or doesn’t, Mercury should win this ball game.
Phoenix’s Skylar Diggins-Smith is playing her best basketball as of late, coupled with the dominance Brittney Griner has shown in the second half of the season, it is hard to bet against this duo right now. Liberty’s Natasha Howard will have her hands full again tonight as Griner put up 26 and 29 in her two outings against New York. The one thing that could save New York is their lethal 3-point shooting. In a do-or-die game against Washington last week, the Liberty shot 45.5% behind the arc, and won the game to keep their playoff dreams alive. If the Liberty can make shots, Phoenix will feel the pressure of an early exit.
Pickswise is the home of free sports picks, news and best bets. Check out our expert NFL Picks, NBA Picks, MLB Picks and NHL Picks for the latest game Picks.
