The WNBA season is heating up, and there are plenty of great betting opportunities to be had. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best bets for the upcoming week, including a few underdogs that could be worth a look.
One of the best bets for the week is the Las Vegas Aces to win the WNBA championship. The Aces are the defending champions, and they’ve been one of the most dominant teams in the league all season. They have a deep and talented roster, led by A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray. The Aces are currently priced at +250 to win the championship, which is a great value.
Another good bet for the week is the Seattle Storm to win the Western Conference. The Storm are a veteran team with a lot of experience, and they’re always a threat to win the championship. They have a lot of depth on their roster, and they’re led by Breanna Stewart, who is one of the best players in the league. The Storm are currently priced at +350 to win the Western Conference, which is a good value.
Dominant Defense
When it comes to defense, the Connecticut Sun reign supreme in the WNBA. Led by Defensive Player of the Year Brionna Jones, the Sun boast a league-leading defensive rating of 92.0. They allow the fewest points per game (76.3) and have held opponents to a dismal 39.6% shooting from the field. Their interior defense is particularly formidable, with Jones swatting away shots at a league-leading 2.8 blocks per game.
Here’s a breakdown of the Sun’s defensive stats:
| Stat | Rank |
|---|---|
| Defensive Rating | 1st |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 1st |
| Field Goal Percentage Allowed | 1st |
| Blocks Per Game | 1st |
The Sun’s dominant defense has been a major factor in their success in recent years. In 2022, they finished with a league-best 36-5 record and won the WNBA championship. With Jones leading the charge, the Sun’s defense is poised to continue its dominance in 2023.
Offensive Explosion
Dominant Dynasty
Since their inception in 2009, the Seattle Storm have established an unmatched legacy in the WNBA. They have won four championships in the last decade, including two consecutive titles in 2020 and 2021. The Storm’s success is largely attributed to their unparalleled offensive firepower.
Unstoppable Trio
The Storm’s offensive dominance is spearheaded by a trio of extraordinary players: Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, and Jewell Loyd. Stewart, the 2018 WNBA MVP, is widely regarded as the best player in the league. Her versatility and scoring prowess makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Bird, a 12-time All-Star, is the league’s all-time leader in assists and orchestrates the Storm’s offense with precision. Loyd, the 2015 WNBA Finals MVP, is a dynamic scorer with a knack for creating her own shot.
| Player | Points per game |
|---|---|
| Breanna Stewart | 21.8 |
| Sue Bird | 8.2 |
| Jewell Loyd | 17.9 |
Rising Star
The WNBA is a league full of rising stars, but one player who has stood out in recent years is Breanna Stewart. The 2018 WNBA MVP is a versatile forward who can score from anywhere on the court. She is also a strong defender and rebounder. In her four seasons in the WNBA, Stewart has averaged 20.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. She has also led the league in scoring and rebounding twice. Stewart is a key player for the Seattle Storm, and she is one of the most exciting young players in the WNBA.
### Key Stats
|Stat|Value|
|-|-|
|Points per game|20.0|
|Rebounds per game|9.6|
|Assists per game|3.0|
|Shooting percentage|.478|
|Free throw percentage|.838|
|3-point percentage|.368|
Seasoned Veteran
Elena Delle Donne of the Washington Mystics is a prime example of a seasoned veteran who can still perform at a high level. The 32-year-old forward has won two WNBA championships, two MVP awards, and four All-Star selections. Delle Donne is also one of the most efficient shooters in the league, shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks is another experienced player who is still playing at a high level. The 31-year-old forward has won two WNBA championships, and two All-Star selections. Ogwumike is one of the most versatile players in the league, averaging double-doubles in points and rebounds. She is also a strong defender and leader on the court.
Candace Parker
Candace Parker is a 36-year-old forward who has won two WNBA championships, two MVP awards, and six All-Star selections. Parker is one of the most decorated players in the league and is still playing at a high level. She is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend. Parker is also a leader on the court and has been a key part of the success of the Chicago Sky in recent years.
Sue Bird
Sue Bird is a 42-year-old guard who has won four WNBA championships and 12 All-Star selections. Bird is one of the greatest players in the history of the league and is still playing at a high level. She is a skilled passer and shooter and is also a leader on the court. Bird is a key part of the Seattle Storm’s success and is one of the most respected players in the league.
| Player | Age | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Elena Delle Donne | 32 | Washington Mystics |
| Nneka Ogwumike | 31 | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Candace Parker | 36 | Chicago Sky |
| Sue Bird | 42 | Seattle Storm |
Playoff Push
With the WNBA regular season winding down, the playoff race is heating up. Several teams are jostling for position in the standings, and every game is crucial. Here’s a look at the top teams in the playoff hunt:
1. Las Vegas Aces
The Aces are the clear favorites to win the WNBA championship. They have the league’s best record and feature a star-studded lineup led by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum.
2. Chicago Sky
The defending champions are looking to make another run at the title. They have a strong core of players, including Courtney Vandersloot, Candace Parker, and Allie Quigley.
3. Connecticut Sun
The Sun are one of the most experienced teams in the league. They have a deep roster and are always a contender in the playoffs.
4. Washington Mystics
The Mystics are a dark horse candidate to win the championship. They have a talented young team led by Elena Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud.
5. Seattle Storm
The Storm have won four WNBA championships in the past decade. They are always a threat in the playoffs, even though they are not as strong as they have been in the past.
| Team | Record | Remaining Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Aces | 24-8 | @Connecticut, @Seattle, Minnesota, Los Angeles |
| Chicago Sky | 22-9 | Phoenix, Las Vegas, Washington, @Dallas |
| Connecticut Sun | 20-11 | Las Vegas, @Atlanta, Dallas, @Indiana |
| Washington Mystics | 19-12 | Chicago, @Atlanta, @New York, Indiana |
| Seattle Storm | 19-13 | Las Vegas, Indiana, @Denver, @Las Vegas |
Comeback Kid
The WNBA has seen its fair share of players who have returned from major injuries to have successful seasons. Here are a few of the most notable comebacks in league history:
Sue Bird
Bird missed the entire 2019 season with a knee injury, but she returned in 2020 to average 10.0 points and 7.2 assists per game and lead the Seattle Storm to their fourth WNBA championship Bird is now 41 years old and still going strong. She is currently averaging 9.5 points and 6.7 assists per game for the Storm.
Elena Delle Donne
Delle Donne missed the entire 2021 season with back injuries, but she returned in 2022 to average 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game and lead the Washington Mystics to the WNBA Finals. Delle Donne is one of the most dominant players in the league when healthy.
Breanna Stewart
Stewart missed the entire 2019 season with an Achilles injury, but she returned in 2020 to average 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game and lead the Seattle Storm to their third WNBA championship. Stewart is now one of the best players in the league and was named the WNBA MVP in 2018 and 2020.
Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike missed the entire 2019 season with a knee injury, but she returned in 2020 to average 15.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game and lead the Los Angeles Sparks to the WNBA Finals. Ogwumike is a three-time All-Star and was named the WNBA MVP in 2016.
Candace Parker
Parker missed the entire 2021 season with an ankle injury, but she returned in 2022 to average 12.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game and lead the Chicago Sky to their second WNBA championship. Parker is a two-time WNBA champion and was the WNBA MVP in 2008.
Liz Cambage
Cambage missed the entire 2022 season with a foot injury, but she is expected to return to the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. Cambage is one of the most dominant scorers in the league and was the WNBA scoring champion in 2018. The Aces are hoping that Cambage can help them win their first WNBA championship this year.
| Player | Injury | Year Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Sue Bird | Knee | 2019 |
| Elena Delle Donne | Back | 2021 |
| Breanna Stewart | Achilles | 2019 |
| Nneka Ogwumike | Knee | 2019 |
| Candace Parker | Ankle | 2021 |
| Liz Cambage | Foot | 2022 |
Injury Comeback
After suffering a season-ending ACL injury last year, Breanna Stewart made her highly anticipated return to the court this season. The 2021 WNBA MVP has shown no signs of rust, averaging 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. Stewart’s return has been a major boost for the Storm and has made them one of the favorites to win the championship.
Another notable injury comeback this season has been that of A’ja Wilson. The 2020 WNBA MVP missed the first half of the season due to an ankle injury. Since her return, Wilson has averaged 19.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Wilson’s return has helped the Aces consolidate their position as one of the top teams in the league.
| Player | Team | Injury | Games Missed | Return Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breanna Stewart | Seattle Storm | ACL | 35 | May 6, 2022 |
| A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | Ankle | 20 | June 25, 2022 |
Silver Lining
Despite the challenges, the WNBA has emerged with a newfound resilience, adapting to the circumstances with grace and determination. The league has implemented strict health and safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of players and staff while providing fans with the opportunity to enjoy the game safely.
Optimistic Outlook
The WNBA has a bright future ahead. With increased media exposure, growing fan support, and a new generation of talented players entering the league, the WNBA is poised for sustained growth and success.
#8: Emerging Stars
The WNBA is witnessing the emergence of a new crop of stars, who are showcasing their exceptional skills and bringing an exciting new dynamic to the league. Players like A’ja Wilson, Candace Parker, and Breanna Stewart are leading the charge, inspiring a generation of young athletes and captivating fans with their breathtaking performances.
| Name | Team |
|---|---|
| A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces |
| Candace Parker | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Breanna Stewart | Seattle Storm |
Unwavering Support
The WNBA has garnered widespread support from fans, athletes, and celebrities alike. This unwavering support has fueled the league’s progress and created a sense of community among its dedicated followers.
Title Contender
Las Vegas Aces
The Aces have been dominant all season long, and they enter the playoffs as the clear favorites. They have a loaded roster led by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum, and they have been playing at a high level all year. The Aces are also the defending champions, so they have the experience of winning it all.
Chicago Sky
The Sky are another team that has been playing well all season. They have a balanced roster led by Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, and Kahleah Copper, and they have been able to win games in a variety of ways. The Sky are also playing with a lot of confidence after winning the championship last year.
Seattle Storm
The Storm are a veteran team that knows how to win. They have won four championships in the past decade, and they have a roster led by Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, and Jewell Loyd. The Storm may not be as dominant as they once were, but they are still a dangerous team that can win it all.
Connecticut Sun
The Sun are a young team with a lot of potential. They have a rising star in Aaliyah Boston, and they also have a strong supporting cast. The Sun have been playing well all season, and they are capable of making a deep run in the playoffs.
New York Liberty
The Liberty are a team that has been on the rise all season. They have a young roster led by Sabrina Ionescu, and they have been playing with a lot of confidence. The Liberty may not be a title contender just yet, but they are a team to watch in the future.
| Team | Regular Season Record | Playoff Seed |
| Las Vegas Aces | 26-10 | 1 |
| Chicago Sky | 26-11 | 2 |
| Seattle Storm | 22-14 | 3 |
| Connecticut Sun | 25-11 | 4 |
| New York Liberty | 16-20 | 8 |
Cinderella Story
The WNBA is full of Cinderella stories, teams that have come out of nowhere to make a deep playoff run. Here are a few of the most memorable.
2019 Las Vegas Aces
The Aces were a 7-seed in the 2019 playoffs, but they upset the No. 2 seed Seattle Storm in the first round and the No. 3 seed Minnesota Lynx in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Washington Mystics in three games, but their run was still one of the most surprising in recent memory.
2018 Atlanta Dream
The Dream were a 5-seed in the 2018 playoffs, but they upset the No. 4 seed Connecticut Sun in the first round and the No. 2 seed Los Angeles Sparks in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Washington Mystics in four games, but their run was still one of the most impressive in recent memory.
2017 Washington Mystics
The Mystics were a 6-seed in the 2017 playoffs, but they upset the No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream in the first round and the No. 2 seed Los Angeles Sparks in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Minnesota Lynx in five games, but their run was still one of the most memorable in recent memory.
2016 Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks were a 5-seed in the 2016 playoffs, but they upset the No. 4 seed New York Liberty in the first round and the No. 1 seed Chicago Sky in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Minnesota Lynx in five games, but their run was still one of the most impressive in recent memory.
2015 Chicago Sky
The Sky were a 7-seed in the 2015 playoffs, but they upset the No. 2 seed New York Liberty in the first round and the No. 3 seed Indiana Fever in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Minnesota Lynx in three games, but their run was still one of the most surprising in recent memory.
2014 Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury were a 6-seed in the 2014 playoffs, but they upset the No. 3 seed Minnesota Lynx in the first round and the No. 2 seed Los Angeles Sparks in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Chicago Sky in three games, but their run was still one of the most impressive in recent memory.
2013 Seattle Storm
The Storm were a 4-seed in the 2013 playoffs, but they upset the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx in the second round and the No. 2 seed Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA Finals to win the championship. Their run was one of the most improbable in WNBA history.
2012 Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx were a 6-seed in the 2012 playoffs, but they upset the No. 3 seed San Antonio Silver Stars in the first round and the No. 2 seed Seattle Storm in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Indiana Fever in three games, but their run was still one of the most impressive in recent memory.
2011 Indiana Fever
The Fever were a 6-seed in the 2011 playoffs, but they upset the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Sparks in the first round and the No. 2 seed Minnesota Lynx in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Minnesota Lynx in three games, but their run was still one of the most impressive in recent memory.
2010 Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks were a 6-seed in the 2010 playoffs, but they upset the No. 3 seed San Antonio Silver Stars in the first round and the No. 2 seed Seattle Storm in the second round to reach the WNBA Finals. They lost to the Minnesota Lynx in three games, but their run was still one of the most impressive in recent memory.
WNBA Best Bets
The WNBA is a professional basketball league that features some of the best female basketball players in the world. The league is entering its 26th season in 2023, and there are several teams that are considered to be contenders for the championship.
One of the top teams in the league is the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces won the championship in 2022, and they have a strong roster led by A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Another team that is expected to be a contender is the Chicago Sky. The Sky won the championship in 2021, and they have a talented roster led by Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, and Allie Quigley.
There are several other teams that could make a run at the championship this season. The Seattle Storm are always a threat, and they have a strong roster led by Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, and Sue Bird. The Minnesota Lynx are another team to watch, and they have a talented roster led by Sylvia Fowles, Napheesa Collier, and Aerial Powers.
The WNBA season is set to begin on May 19, and there are several exciting matchups on the schedule. The Aces will open the season against the Sky, and the Storm will face the Lynx. These are just a few of the many exciting matchups that are on the schedule this season.
